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V 


This  book  is  DUE  on  the  last  date  stamped  below 


' 


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1962 


••in  I.-!' 


BY  THE  SAME  AUTHOR. 

(Ltiturt-Ifottr  Strut.) 

INGO.     Trantlatid  by  Mrt.  Malcolm. 
INCRABAN.    Tr»ntlated  by  Mrt.  Malcolm. 


LEISURE  HOUR   SERIES 


INGO 


THE     FIRST     NOVEL     OF     A     SERIES     ENTITLED 

OUR    FOREFATHERS 

77** 

BT 

GUSTAV  FREYTAG 

Author  of  "Debit  and  Credit,"  "The  Lost  Manuscript,"  etc, 

TRANSLATED  FROM  THE  GERMAN 
BY 

MRS.  MALCOLM 


NEW  YORK 
HOLT   &  WILLIAMS 

1873 


o 


TO  HER  IMPERIAL  HIGHNESS 

THE   CROWN   PRINCESS  VICTORIA, 

RESPECTFULLY  DEDICATED. 


THIS  work  will  contain  a  series  of  purely  ficti- 
tious tales,  in  which  the  fates  of  an  individual, 
race  are  related.  It  begins  with  ancestors  from 
the  earliest  time,  and  will,  if  the  powers  of  the 
author  and  his  pleasure  in  the  work  continue, 
be  gradually  carried  on  up  to  the  last  descen- 
dant— a  vigorous  fellow  who  still  wanders  about 
under  the  German  sun,  without  caring  much 
about  the  deeds  and  sufferings  of  his  forefathers. 
The  book  will  contain  much  that  is  poetic, 
and  not  at  all  a  history  of  civilization.  Un- 
doubtedly it  is  not  exactly  for  its  pleasant 
shortness  that  the  undertaking  will  be  praised. 
The  author  would  in  the  beginning  prefer  being 
silent  as  to  how  the  individual  stories  may  be 
united  into  a  whole. 


iv  PREFACE. 

The  plan  of  this  work  did  not  displease  your 
Imperial  Highness,  but  now  when  I  have  intr<  »- 
duced  my  wild  men,  I  begin  to  reflect  how  they 
will  bear  the  unprejudiced  judgment  of  the 
Princess.  For  to  realize  poetically  the  men  ot 
the  past,  one  must  show  the  same  skill  as  the 
translator  of  a  foreign  language.  Also  the  old 
ancestors  have  an  uncomfortable  gentility;  they 
bestow  upon  their  modern  descendants  only  a 
certain  measure  of  human  feeling ;  they  do  not 
allow  one  to  dwell  long  in  their  society  will- 
ingly, and  they  compel  the  author  frequently  to 
restrain  his  rising  temper  in  measured  terms. 

This  volume  carries  us  into  times  which  the 
poet  will  understand  more  easily  than  the  his- 
torian. It  was  a  secret  pleasure  to  the  auth«  r, 
during  his  whole  labour,  to  feel  that  this  narra- 
tive describes  a  country  of  which  the  men, 
mountains,  and  forests,  are  dear  to  your  Imperial 
Highness. 

GUSTAV  FREYTAG. 

y,  ICtk  November,  1872. 


CONTENTS 


CHAP. 

I.  A.D.  357.   THE  WATCHMAN      .      .      .3 

II.  THE  BANQUET     .      .      .      .      .29 

UL   OPEN  HEARTS  .  .  .  .  .67 

IV.    AT  THE  KINO'S  COURT         .  .  .  .91 

V.    IN  THE  FOREST  ARBOUB    ....    107 

VI.    THE  DAPARTURE     .....    159 

VII.    INGO  AT  THE  KING'S  COURT  .  .  .    183 

VIII.   THE  LAST  NIGHT     .  .  .  .  .211 

EC.    AT   IDISBURQ  .....   242 

X.    AT  THE   SPRING        .....   266 

XI.    THE  THUNDERSTORM  .    289 


I  N  G  O. 


i. 

A.I).  357 

ON  a  mountain  height,  by  a  barricade  of  trees 
which  separated  the  forests  of  Thuringia  from 
those  of  the  Katten,  a  young  watchman  stood  and 
guarded  the  steep  path  which  led  from  the  low- 
lands of  the  Katten  to  the  Thuringian  heights. 
Over  his  head  towered  a  gigantic  beech  tree,  on 
both  sides  of  him,  along  the  crest  of  the  hill,  ran 
the  boundary  fence,  and  in  the  thicket  bloomed 
the  blackberry  and  wild  rose.  The  youth  held  a 
short  spear  in  his  hand,  and  a  long  horn  hung 
suspended  by  a  leathern  strap  round  his  neck ; 
leaning  listlessly  against  the  tree,  he  hearkened 
to  the  voices  of  the  forest,  the  tapping  of  the 
woodpecker,  or  the  soft  rustling  of  the  branches 
as  some  wild  animal  passed  through  the  thicket. 
From  time  to  time  he  looked  impatiently  towards 
the  sun,  and  cast  a  glance  behind  him,  where,  in 

1 


2  INOO. 

the  distant  opening  of  the  valley,  lay  blockhouses 
and  enclosures  for  herds  of  cattle. 

Suddenly  he  bent  forward  and  listened ;  on  the 
path  before  him  sounded  a  liirht  footstep,  and 
through  the  foliage  of  the  trees  the  figure  of  a 
man  became  visible,  who  with  quick  steps  was 
approaching  him.  The  watchman  pulled  round 
his  horn,  and  grasped  his  spear  ready  to  throw; 
and  when  the  man  stepped  out  of  the  thicket 
on  to  the  open  boundary  line,  he  called  to  him, 
directing  the  point  of  his  spear  towards  him, 
"Stand,  traveller,  and  give  the  password,  which 
will  save  thee  from-  my  weapon." 

The  stranger  sprang  behind  the  last  tree  on 
his  side  of  the  fence,  stretched  out  his  open  right 
hand,  and  replied,  "  I  greet  thee  peacefully,  as  a 
stranger  in  the  land,  ignorant  of  the  password." 

The  watcher  answered  him  suspiciously,  "Thou 
comest  not  like  a  chieftain,  with  horses  and 
attendants,  thou  earnest  not  the  buckler  of  a 
warrior,  neither  dost  thou  appear  like  a  wan- 
dering trader,  with  pack  and  barrow." 

The  stranger  replied,  "  I  come  from  afar,  over 
mountain  and  valley;  my  horse  I  lost  in  the 
whirlpool  of  the  stream,  and  I  seek  hospitality 
among  thy  peoj  >].-." 

"  If  thou  art  a  foreigner,  thou  must  tarry  till 


INGO.  3 

my  comrades  open  our  country  to  thee.  Mean- 
while lot  peace  be  between  us." 

The  men  had  observed  each  other  with  keen 
eyes;  they  now  leant  their  spears  against  the 
boundary  trees,  entered  into  the  open  space,  and 
proffered  hands.  In  shaking  hands  each  ex- 
amined the  countenance  and  bearing  of  the  other. 
The  watchman  looked  with  honest  admiration  at 
the  powerful  arm  of  the  stranger,  who  was  but 
few  years  older  than  himself,  as  well  as  at  his 
firm  deportment  and  proud  mien. 

"  A  sword-fight  with  thee  on  the  greensward 
would  be  no  trifling  matter,"  he  said,  frankly ;  "  I 
am  almost  the  tallest  man  on  our  mead  bench,  yet 
I  have  to  look  up  to  thee.  Accept  a  greeting,  and 
rest  under  my  tree,  meanwhile  I  will  announce 
thy  arrival." 

Whilst  the  stranger  fearlessly  accepted  the 
invitation,  the  watchman  raised  his  horn,  and 
blew  a  loud  call  into  the  valley  of  his  people. 
The  wild  tones  echoed  from  the  mountain.  The 
watchman  looked  towards  the"  huts  in  the  distant 
opening,  and  nodded  his  head  contentedly,  for  a 
movement  was  visible  about  the  houses ;  after  a 
short  time  a  horseman  hastened  towards  the 
heights.  "  Nothing  beats  the  strong  blast  of  a 
buffalo  horn,"  he  said,  laughing,  and  gliding  up  to 


4  INGO, 

the  stranger  in  the  heather,  darted  a  sharp  look 
along  the  glade  of  the  wood  and  into  the  valley 
1  »•!<  >re  him.  "  Speak,  wanderer  ;  there  is  perhaps 
a  pursuer  on  thy  track,  or  possibly  thou  mayest 
have  seen  warriors  in  the  wood  ? " 

"  Nothing  sounded  in  the  forest  but  what 
belongs  to  it,"  answered  the  stranger.  "  No  blood- 
hound of  the  Kattena  has  been  watching  my 
path  for  the  last  six  days." 

"  The  sons  of  the  Kattens  come  blind  into  the 
world,  like  young  puppies,"  exclaimed  the  watcher, 
contemptuously.  "  Yet  I  think  thou  must  under- 
stand well  how  to  conceal  thyself  in  the  forest 
if  thou  hast  escaped  their  watching." 

"  Before  me  was  light,  behind  me  was  dark- 
ness," proudly  answeVed  the  stranger. 

The  watchman  looked  with  interest  on  the 
man ;  on  his  brown  countenance  exhaustion  was 
clearly  to  be  seen ;  he  leant  heavily  against  the 
tree.  For  some  time  the  watchman  reflected. 
"If  thou  hast  to  fear  the  vengeance  of  the-  K  a  1 1 « •  n  > . 
thou  hast  for  long  days  been  without  fire  or 
smoke,  and  hast  found  bad  travelling  fare,  for  tin- 
wood  offers  now  not  even  berries  or  wild  fruit, 
See,  I  am  only  a  retainer  of  the  Chieftain's ;  I  know 
not  whether  In-  will  grant  you  his  bread  and  salt ; 
but  a  hungry  man  in  the  woods  I  may  not  shun. 


INGO.  5 

Take  and  eat  from  my  wallet."  The  watchman 
caught  up  from  behind  the  tree  a  pouch  of 
badger  skin,  and  offered  from  it  black  bread  and 
meat.  The  stranger  looked  thankfully  at  him, 
but  remained  silent.  Then  the  watchman  held 
out  to  him  a  small  horn,  and  opening  the  wooden 
cover,  said  kindly,  "  Take  also  the  salt ;  under 
this  tree  is  my  home,  here  I  am  the  host." 

The  stranger  seized  it.  "  Blessed  be  to  thee 
this  gift  of  the  Gods ;  we  are  friends."  He  ate 
ravenously  ;  the  youth  looked  on  contentedly. 

"  When  the  warm  sun  sends  its  rays  through 
the  foliage  of  the  trees,  then  thy  office  of  watcher 
is  a  pleasant  service,"  said  the  stranger,  at  last 
renewing  the  conversation;  "  but  when  the  wind 
blusters  in  the  stormy  night,  then  courage  is 
needful  for  the  forest-warden." 

"  The  border  boundary  here  is  consecrated  to 
the  good  Gods  of  the  people,"  answered  the  watch- 
man; "  from  both  sides  the  holy  springs  run  down 
into  the  valley,  but  we  forest  people  are  familiar 
with  the  night-song  of  the  trees." 

"Thou  art  young,"  continued  the  stranger; 
"  thy  lord  shows  great  trust  in  thee,  committing 
to  thee  singly  the  care  of  thy  country's  boundary." 

"  There  are  more  men  at  the  boundary  fence," 
explained  the  watchman.  "  We  fear  little  an 


<;  <;o. 

inroad  of  hostile  hands  through  tlie  mountain 
forest,  for  it  would  be  difficult  for  the  foot  of  the 
stranger  to  penetrate  over  rock  and  forest  stream 
up  to  tin-  fence.  But  report  says  that  a  short, 
since  a  fierce  war  has  been  kindled  between 
the  Aleroanui  and  the  Ciesar  whom  they  call 
Julian,  and  ten  days  ago  the  wild  army  of  the 
Gods  swept  past  us  through  the  air  at  night- 
time"— he  looked  timidly  up  to  the  skies;  ".since 
tlicn  we  have  guarded  the  boundary." 

The  stranger  turned  his  head,  and  looked  now 
for  the  first  time  towards  the  native  land  of  his 
companion.  The  long  waving  mountain  heights 
roae  in  succession  one  behind  the  other ;  across 
N  the  opening  widened  lay  a  deep  valley, 
and  the  white  foam  of  the  forest  torrents  sparkled 
in  tin-  sunlight. 

"  And  now  let  me  know,  good  comrade,  whose 
badge  thou  wearest,  and  whither  thou  art  about 
to  conduct  me." 

i  all  the  valleys  on  which  your  eyes  rest, 
nnd  further  down  into  the  plain,  he  whom  I  serve, 
II.  rr  Answald,  the  son  of  Irmfried,  rules  as 
Chieftain." 

1  In  a  foreign  land  I  heard  that  a  great  king 
ruled  over  the  people  of  Thuringia ;  they  called 
him  King  Bisino,"  answered  the  stran^- 


INGO.  7 

/ 

"  Thou  hast  heard  right,"  assented  the  youth. 
"  But  this  forest  country  is  free  under  its  own 
race  of  chieftains  from  the  most  ancient  times, 
and  the  great  King  of  the  country  is  contented 
that  we  should  guard  the  boundary,  and  send 
every  year  horses"  to  his  court.  Little  do  we 
forest  people  care  about  the  King,  and  our  Chief- 
tain seldom  goes  to  court  at  the  King's  castle." 

"  And  does  not  King  Bisino  count  your  herds 
of  cattle,  which  I  see  there  among,  the  huts  ? " 
asked  the  stranger. 

"  Hum — there  was  once  a  noise  of  arms  in  the 
villages,  because  the  King  would  fatten  his  boars 

O         '  O 

under  our  oaks,  also  the  King  took  pleasure  in 
hunting  wild  oxen  in  our  woods,  but  one  has 
heard  no  more  of  that." 

The  stranger  looked  earnestly  down  into  the 
valley.  "And  where  is  the  residence  of  your  lord  ? " 

The  watchman  pointed  along  the  opening  of 
the  valley.  "  It  lies  at  the  outlet  of  the  moun- 
tains; for  a  quick  walker  it  is  about  three  hours 
down  the  valley,  but  a  horse  from  the  pasture- 
ground  would  carry  us  there  in  shorter  time. 
Dost  thou  not  hear  the  sound  of  hoofs  ?  The 
horn  has  announced  to  my  comrades  that  a 
stranger  needs  guidance ;  he  who  relieves  me  is 
coming." 


8  INOO. 

A  horseman  was  trotting  up  the  forest  path — a 
fine-looking  youth,  like  the  watchman  in  coun- 
tenance and  bearing;  he  flung  himself  from  his 
bone,  and  spoke  in  a  love  tone  to  his  companion. 
The  watchman  delivered  over  to  him  his  horn, 
threw  his  leather  pouch  over  his  shoulder,  and 
<1  the  horee  to  the  stranger.  "I  follow 
your  steps,"  said  the  latter,  declining  it ;  he 
greeted  the  new  watchman  with  hand  and  head, 
who  was  regarding  him  with  curiosity,  and 
turned  with  his  leader  towards  the  valley. 

The  small  steep  path  led  down  by  the  winding 
course  of  the  torrent,  amongst  giant  trees  whose 
long  mossy  beards  shone  silver-grey  in  the  sun- 
shine,  over  roots  which  lay  on  the  path  like 
huge  serpents,  and  twisted  themselves  into  high 
arches,  where  the  stones  which  formerly  lay 
under  them  had  been  washed  away  by  the 
water.  The  bonier  of  the  stream  was  hemmed 
in  by  drift  wood  and  heaps  of  dry  rushes;  there 
also  the  power  of  the  water  had  in  the  early 
>]>ring  swept  fallen  stems  against  the  side,  so 
that  they  lay  with  leafless  branches  in  wild  con- 
;  1  >ut  the  knives  of  the  forest  people  had  cut 
a  small  path  through  the  tangle  of  the  brushwood. 
With  fleet  steps  the  men  hastened  down  the 
valley;  they  sprang  with  long  leaps  from  stone  to 


INGO.  9 

gtone,  from  tree  to  tree,  the  young  watchman  in 
front.  He  often  swung  himself  high  through  the 
air,  as  a  feather  ball  sent  with  a  throw  bounds 
merrily  along ;  and  where  a  wide  channel  impeded 
the  way  he  repeated  the  leap  back  again  in  order 
to  give  courage  to  his  companion.  He  had  thrown 
the  bridle  over  the  neck  of  the  horse,  which,  follow- 
ing like  a  dog,  leapt  after  the  man :  to  the  steed 
also  the  inequality  of  the  pathway  was  play- work. 
The  eyes  of  the  watchman  measured  with  satis- 
faction a  powerful  leap  which  the  stranger  had 
taken  over  the  torrent,  and  examined  afterwards 
the  footstep  on  the  soft  ground.  "  Thou  hast  a 
powerful  stride  for  a  weary  man,"  said  he ;  "it 
appears  to  me  that  thou  hast  already  before  now 
ventured  on  broader  leaps  on  bloodier  heaths. 
By  thy  footstep  I  see  that  thou  art  one  of  our 
people,  for  the  point  of  the  foot  tends  outwards, 
and  the  pressure  of  the  ball  is  strong.  Hitherto 
from  thy  speech  I  have  considered  thee  as  a 
foreigner.  Hast  thou  ever  beheld  a  Roman 
footstep  ? " 

"  Their  feet  are  small ;  they  walk  with  a  short 
step  on  the  whole  sole,  like  weary  people." 

"  So  say  our  people  who  have  been  in  the  west. 
J  have  hitherto  only  seen  the  unarmed  traders  of 
the  black-haired  people,"  he  added  apologetically. 


10  INGO. 

"May  tli«-  Fates  keep  far  from  your  soil  the 
ian  foot  !"  answered  the  stranger. 
Thou  sr*-akrst  like  our  old  men;  but  we 
\  Mimg  ones  think,  if  they  do  not  come  to  u 
will  certainly  go  to  them,  for  their  country  must 
be  wonderful,  —  all  the  houses  of  coloured  stone, 
tli«>  whole  year  soft  sunshine,  and  in  winter  the 
oarth  green,  sweet  wine  as  common  as  thin  1>.  .  i  , 
i  In-  vessels  and  seats  of  silver;  the  maidens  .lane.- 
in  gold  ornaments  and  silk  dresses,  and  the 
warrior  is  lord  of  all  this  splendour." 

In  vain  the  watchman  awaited  the  answer  of  the 
stranger;  they  walked  together  for  a  time  quite 
^ilciit;  at  last  the  youth  took  the  horse  by  the 
bridle.  "  Here  the  road  through  the  valley  be- 
comes better  ;  mount,  that  we  may  arrive  at  our 
destination  before  evening."  The  stranger  laid 
his  hand  on  the  horse's  withers,  and  sprang  with 
great  strength  into  the  seat;  the  leader  mxl<l.-<l 
ntedly,  and  whistled  softly;  the  horse  bore 
the  rider  at  a  gallop  down  the  valley,  and  the 
youth  ran  on  foot  beside  him,  poising  his  KJ»,  HI, 
anil  occasionally  shouting  to  the  horse,  \vhidi 
then  turned  its  head  to  him,  and  neighed  in 


\\'ho  are  the  women  there  in  light  dresses  ?  " 
inquired   the  stranger,  as    they  halted  on  an 


INGO.  11 

eminence  near  the   open   country,   and  looked 
into   the  enclosure. 

"  Oh,"  exclaimed  the  watchman,  "  the  maidens 
from  the  Chief's  house  are  come;  there  is  Frida's 
brown  cow;  do  you  hear  the  pretty  bell  which 
hangs  round  its  neck  ?  and  there  is  the  maiden 
herself."  The  heightened  colour  in  his  face  be- 
trayed that  the  meeting  would  be  pleasant  to 
him.  "  Behold  the  old  huts  ;  in  them  the  her- 1s- 
men  dwell.  In  summer  the  cattle  of  the  village  go 
to  the  forest  pastures,  and  our  maidens  come  and 
fetch  the  produce  of  the  milk  cellars  to  the 
Chieftain's  house.  Over  there  in  the  beech 
wood  the  swineherd  dwells  with  his  herd;  the 
sun  does  not  shine  in  any  country  on  finer 
mast." 

They  entered  the  clearing,  the  watchman 
removed  the  bars  which  impeded  the  entrance 
to  the  cattle  pen,  and  the  stranger  rode  into  the 
enclosure,  where  the  cows  were  running  about 
bellowing,  whilst  the  wife  of  the  herdsman  with 
her  maidens  carried  the  milk  pails  to  the  cool 
cellars,  which  were  built  of  stone  and  moss, 
away  from  the  sun,  and  held  long  rows  of  milk 
vessels. 

"Good  lack,  stranger!"  exclaimed  the  watcher. 
*  Our  Chieftain's  daughter,  Irmgard,  is  herself 


12  IN  GO. 

here  looking  after  tin-  h.-nls;  if  she  is  gracious 
t-.  ther,  th<>u  innyest  be  sure  of  good  care." 

4  Which  of  them  dost  thou  thus  name?"  asked 
the  stranger. 

here  she  is,  giving  orders  to  the  maidens; 
thou  mayest  easily  know  her." 

The  noble  maiden  stood  by  the  cart  which, 
with  two  oxen  harnessed  to  it,  was  to  convey 
tin-  contents  of  the  milk  cellar  to  the  Chii-ftain's 
house;  also  butter  firmly  beat  down  in  casks 
made  of  the  wood  of  the  wild  plum-tree,  and 
cheese  seasoned  with  caraway  seeds,  packed  in 
green  leaves. 

"  Go  to  her,  comrade,  and  say  that  a  stranger 
approaches  her  as  a  suppliant." 

"  I  fear  to  address  the  daughter  of  the  Chief- 
tain, so  long  as  her  father  has  not  granted  me  a 
scat  at  his  hearth.  And  as  thou  art  disposed  to 
IH-  friendly,  speak  well  of  me  as  far  as  then 
canst."  The  stranger  sprang  from  the  horse,  ami 
from  the  distance  bowed  low  to  the  young  lady. 

Her  golden  tresses,  which  hung  in  ringlets 
about  her  stately  figure,  fonned  a  framework  to 
the  marked  features  of  the  youthful  face,  and 
flowed  down  far  below  her  waist.  A  girdle 
ornamented  with  silver  confined  h.-r  \vhit<-  linen 
vesture;  over  it  she  wore  a  short  upper  dress  of 


INOO.  13 

fine  wool  elegantly  embroidered  ;  her  arms  were 
uncovered,  and  upon  her  wrists  golden  circlets. 
She  looked  with  her  large  eyes  at  the  stranger, 
and  answered  his  respectful  salutation  with  a 
slight  inclination  of  the  head.  The  watchman 

O 

approached  the  Chieftain's  daughter. 

"  The  stranger  seeks  a  place  with  our  people, 
and  a  corner  at  our  hearth  for  his  weary  head. 
I  have  conducted  him  to  the  homestead,  that  the 
Chief  may  decide  upon  his  fate." 

"  We  grant  rest  to  the  wanderer  whom  the 
Gods  send  us.  He,  whoever  he  may  be,  good  or 
bad,  that  approaches  our  hearth  begging  for  hos- 
pitality, has  a  vroom  for  three  days;  then  my 
father  will  ask  whether  he  is  an  honest  man, 
and  not  unworthy  of  our  roof.  For  thou  thyself, 
Wolf,  knowest  that  many  desperate  people 
wander  in  misery  through  the  country,  and 
carry  the  curse  that  cleaves  to  their  footsteps 
into  the  house  of  the  honest  man." 

"  He  looks  like  one  who  would  act  honourably 
by  friend  or  enemy,"  said  the  watchman. 

The  noble  maiden  cast  a  rapid  glance  at  the 
stranger.  "  If  he  prove  himself  to  be  such  as 
thou  sayest,  we  may  rejoice  at  his  arrival. 
Hand  him  a  cup  of  milk,  Frida." 

The  stranger  drank,  and  as  he  returned  the 


14  INQO. 

cup  with  thanks,  said.  "  Blessings  upon  thy  kind 
hand.  My  first  greeting  in  this  country  was 
willingly  offered  me  by  a  warm-hearted  man;  may 
the  second  be  a  presage  to  me  that  I  shall  find 
that  peace  in  the  Chiefs  house  for  which  I  so 
passionately  long." 

Meanwhile  the  watchman  had  caught  for  him- 
self one  of  the  horses  which  were  galloping 
about  in  the  enclosure.  Whilst  he  was  preparing 
to  mount,  the  rosy-cheeked  Frida  came  and 
said  to  him  mockingly,  "  Thou  hadst  good  for- 
tune, Wolf,  in  thy  sleep;  a  stranger  bird  was 
caught  on  the  border  thorn-tree,  whilst  thou 
wast  reposing.  How  was  thy  sleep,  watchman, 
on  thy  thorny  bed  ?  " 

"The  owl  would  not  let  me  sleep;  it  groan.  ,1 
over  Frida,  who  stands  at  night  by  the  fence  and 
shakes  it,  in  order  to  learn  from  whence  a  hus- 
band will  come  to  her." 

"But  I  saw  a  thistle-thrush  on  a  dry  Imsh 
roll<  (-ting  old  thistle-wool  fora  marriage- bed  f<  ti- 
the rich  Wolf." 

'And  I  know  a  proud  one,"  answered  Wolf, 
angrily,  "  who  trampled  on  the  violets  which  six- 
went  to  seek,  and  so  doing  fell  among  the  nett 

"Not  among  the  nettles  of  thy  fields,  thou 
stupid  Wolf,"  replied  Frida,  angrily. 


INGO.  15 

"  I  know  one  to  whom  I  will  not  throw  the 
ball  at  the  next  dance,"  answered  Wolf. 

"  When  the  wolf  dances,  the  geese  fly  up  on  a 
tree,  and  laugh,"  said  Frida,  mockingly. 

"Twine  thyself  a  garland  of  oat  straws,  my 
haughty  goose,"  shouted  Wolf  from  his  horse,  as 
he  trotted  away  with  the  stranger,  who  with 
delicate  feelings  had  kept  a  spear's-length  away 
from  this  bantering  talk. 

"  He  is  an  ill-mannered  youth,"  said  Frida 
complainingly  to  her  mistress. 

"  What  thou  didst  shout  into  the  wood  has 
been  echoed  back  to  thee,"  answered  the  latter, 
laughing;  and  casting  a  glance  after  the  stranger, 
she  continued,  "  He  looks  like  one  who  has  ruled 
over  many  people." 

"  And  yet  his  sandals  were  torn,  and  his  jacket 
travel- worn,"  said  Frida. 

"  Do  you  think  that  the  rocks  cut  the  feet  of 
the  poor  wanderer  only  ?  We  believe  that  he 
who  comes  from  afar  has  seen  and  dared  much  ; 
we  feel  sorry  if  he  has  become  a  bad  man  from 
avarice  or  need,  and  we  would  gladly  give  him 
peace  if  we  could." 

The  sun  was  setting,  and  the  treks  cast  long 
shadows  across  the  road,  when  the  two  horsemen 

£ 

reached  the  end  of  the  valley.     On  both  sides  the 


16  ixoo. 

hills  receded ;  by  the  side  of  the  brook  the  ground 
was  covered  with  fresh  grass  and  bright  im  a  u.\\ 
flowers.  A  red-haired  fox  crossed  the  path  in  fi  •  >nt 
of  thi'in. 

he  red-head  knows  that  the  dwellings  of 
in.-n  are  near,"  said  the  watchman  ;  "  he  likes  to 
lurk  where  he  can  hear  the  crowing  of  the 
cocks." 

Before  them  in  the  evening  li^ht  lay  the  village, 
enclosed  by  a  ditch  and  a  bulwark  planted 
with  trees;  through  the  intervals  of  the  trees 
white  gables  under  brown  thatched  roofs  were 
here  and  there  to  be  seen,  and  small  clouds  of 
smoke  rose  from  the  roofs.  Apart  from  the 
village,  on  a  small  eminence,  the  dwelling  of  the 
rhi.-f  r.aivd  itself,  surrounded  by  its  own  spe- 
i  ial  j»nlings  and  ditch.  Above  the  numerous 
buildings  and  stables  of  tin-  roidence  towered 
high  the  roof  of  the  great  hall,  the  ridge  of 
which  was  ornamented  with  beautifully  carved 
horns. 

A  troop  of  boys  were  practising  warlike  games 
in  the  meadows  in  front.  They  had  erected  a 
high  scaffold,  and  were  each  in  his  turn  spring- 
ing up  to  the  top  and  down  again,  shouting  with 
pleasure.  As  the  horsemen  approached,  the  boys 
ran  on  to  the  road  and  stared  defiantly  at  thu 


1NGO.  17 

stranger.  The  watchman  called  one  of  the  boys, 
and  whispered  to  him;  the  boy  flew  bounding 
along  like  a  young  deer  to  the  Chieftain's  house, 
whilst  the  horsemen  with  difficulty  restrained 
their  spirited  steeds.  The  little  children  danced 
in  a  circle  in  the  village  street — the  little  boys 
naked  all  but  their  woollen  jackets,  the  little  girls 
wearing  white  shifts;  they  were  singing  and 
stamping  bare-footed  in  the  dust.  The  ring  broke 
up  when  the  horsemen  approached.  Women's 
heads  were  visible  at  the  apertures  of  the  houses, 
and  out  of  each  door  sprang  a  troop  of  blue-eyed 
children;  men  also  came  to  the  doors,  scrutinizing 
with  keen  looks  the  appearance  of  the  stranger, 
and  the  watchman  did  not  fail  to  warn  his 
companion  to  look  to  the  right  and  left,  and 
greet  the  inhabitants  as  he  rode  along;  "For," 
said  he,  "a  friendly  greeting  opens  the  heart, 
and  thou  mayest  soon  need  the  good-will  of  the 
neighbours." 

Meanwhile  the  boy  had  run  to  the  Chief's 
dwelling.  Prince  Answald  was  sitting  in  a 
wooden  arbour  which  formed  a  shady  screen  in 
front  of  his  dwelling :  he  was  a  tall  man,  broad- 
shouldered,  with  a  frank  countenance  under  his 
grey  hairs.  He  wore  over  his  shirt  a  woollen 
jacket  trimmed  with  beaver  skin,  his  leather 

2 


13  INGO. 

stockings  were  laced  with  gay-coloured  straps, 
nn<l  only  his  dignified  deportment  and  the  respret 
•with  which  the  others  spoke  to  him  showed  him 
to  be  the  master  of  the  house.  He  sat  surroum  If  1 
by  his  companions,  and  looked  with  satisfaction 
on  the  two  well-fed  oxen  that  were  being  driven 
past  him  by  the  farm  servant,  because  they  were 
selected  to  be  sacrificed  for  an  approaching  feast 
to  the  principal  dwellers  of  the  district.  The  boy 
uted  himself  adroitly,  and  made  known  his 
message  in  a  whisper  to  an  old  man  with  shrewd 
countenance,  who  stood  to  the  left  of  the  Chief, 
and  knew  well  how  to  give  courteous  answers  to 
his  master. 

"The  young  Wolf  brings  a  stranger  here," 
stated  the  old  man,  in  answer  to  the  enquiring 
look  of  his  Chief.  "  The  man  came  without  escort 
by  the  Kattens,  without  a  horse,  or  the  dress  of 
a  warrior ;  a  solitary  and  unhappy  man,  he  seeks 
hospitality." 

"Prepare  him  a  welcome  in  the  hall,"  said 
Prince  Answald,  calmly,  giving  a  signal  to  the 
men  to  leave  him;  and  to  his  trusty  friend  he  said, 
"I  see  with  anxiety  foreign  strollers.  Since  the 
kindling  of  the  Roman  war  on  the  Rhine,  hot 
sparks  fly  through  the  land,  and  many  a  fellow 
who  ifi  the  victim  of  violence  roams  from  one 


INGO.  10 

country  to  the  other,  committing  outrage  from  a 
spirit  of  bitter  hate." 

"  If  he  comes  as  a  fugitive  from  the  south,  he 
may  have  intelligence  of  the  Roman  war." 

"  He  may  also  bring  Roman  treachery  into  the 
country.  Roman  manners  creep  like  a  pest 
through  our  valleys ;  they  have  filled  the  King's 
citizens  with  arrogance.  Our  nobles  also  parade 
themselves  in  purple  dresses,  and  maintain 
roguish  body-guards,  who  plant  their  knives  in 
the  back  of  the  free  man,  when  his  looks  do  not 
please  their  master.  But  whoever  the  stranger 
may  be,  he  shall  receive  whatever  is  due  to  a 
famishing  man.  Do  thou,  however,  take  care  that 
by  judicious  talk  thou  discoverest  his  secret." 

The  Chieftain  entered  the  house,  and  placed 
himself  on  the  chair  of  state,  a  carved  oak  chair 
covered  with  the  skin  of  a  young  black  bear, 
that  stood  opposite  the  door.  The  Prince's  feet 
rested  on  a  stool,  and  in  his  hand  he  held  his 
Prince's  staff. 

Outside  the  entrance  the  two  horsemen  dis- 
mounted; the  stranger  leaned  his  spear  against 
the  doorpost,  and  seated  himself  silently  before 
the  door.  The  Herald  came  out  and  invited  him, 
with  solemn  greeting,  to  appear  before  the  Chief- 
tain. The  stranger  trod  the  threshold  of  the 


•j»)  INGO. 

house  with  head  erect ;  he  and  the  Chief  for  a 
moment  exchanged  searching  looks,  and  both 
were  pleased  with  what  they  saw. 

"Hail  to  thee,  Prince  Answald,  son  of  Irmfried!" 
Hail  to  thee,  also!"  was  returned  from  the 
seat  of  state. 

"  Bestow  on  the  way-weary  man  a  drink  from 
thy  horn,  fruit  from  thy  fields,  and  the  protection 
of  thy  roof;  I  come  friendless,  homeless,  defence- 
less, to  thy  hearth ;  bestow  upon  me  what  the 
hospitality  of  thy  people  allows  to  the  wanderer." 

Hildebrand  stepped  forward,  and  said,  "The 
Prince  bestows  upon  thee,  according  to  the  custom 
of  the  people,  three  days'  rest  and  three  days'  food. 
Then  the  Prince  will  enquire  of  the  people  their 
wilL  Place  him  a  seat  at  the  hearth,  boys,  and 
ofi'er  him  the  gifts  of  the  Gods." 

Three  youths  brought  the  things  that  he 
ordered, — one  a  stool  on  which  the  stranger  sat 
down,  another  bread  and  salt  in  two  dishes,  and 
the  third  a  wooden  mug  filled  with  dark  beer. 
This  one  offered  the  drink  first  to  the  Prince, 
who  touched  the  mug  with  his  lips,  then  gave  it 
to  the  stranger.  After  this  the  Herald  gave  a 
sign  to  the  attendants,  and  all  left  the  room. 

"  And  now,  stranger,"  began  Hildebrand,  fami- 
liarly Beating  himself  at  the  feet  of  the  Prince, 


IXGO.  21 

"as  thou  hast  obtained  security  for  body  and 
limb,  give  us  an  account,  as  far  as  thou  canst, 
whether  thou  hast  seen  or  heard  aught  behind 
our  hills  which  can  be  of  use  to  us  and  not 
injure  thee.  For  these  are  anxious  times,  and 
the  prudent  Host  endeavours  to  obtain  informa- 
tion from  wandering  men.  Wilt  thou  narrate, 
if  the  Gods  have  given  thee  the  power  of  freely 
uttering  thy  words ;  or  shall  I  ask  what  it  needs 
us  to  know  ? " 

The  stranger  rose.  "  I  bring  information  which 
will  move  the  hearts  of  men;  I  know  not  whether 
it  will  occasion  you  joy  or  sorrow.  A  battle  has 
been  fought,  the  greatest  in  the  memory  of  man. 
Wolves  howl  on  the  battle-field,  and  ravens  fly 
over  the  bones  of  the  Alemanni,  to  whom  our  God 
has  refused  victory.  The  Franks  have  won  the 
battle  for  the  Romans ;  the  kings  of  the  Alemanni, 
Huodomar  and  Athanarich,  are  prisoners,  and 
many  of  the  king's  children  with  them ;  the  hosts 
of  Csesar  carry  fire  and  sword  into  the  valleys 
of  the  Black  Forest,  as  far  as  the  Main,  and  drive 
before  them  prisoners  in  crowds.  Csesar  has 
become  so  powerful,  they  say,  over  the  border- 
land, that  the  Kattens  have  sent  an  embassy  to 
his  camp  to  offer  an  alliance." 

A  deep  silence  followed  these  exciting  words. 


•2-1  INGO. 

Prince    Answald   looked    down    gloomily,  and 
Ilildi-brund  also  had  difficulty  in  concealing  his 

•notion. 

"  We  are  at  peace  with  Romans  and  Alemanni," 
he  said  at  last,  cautiously ;  "and  we  Thuringians 
do  not  fear  the  might  of  Ciesar.  But  thou  thy- 
self, as  I  perceive,  wast  in  the  neighbourhood 
when  the  battle  was  fought,  and  thou  hast  since 
th'-n  .-iv.ii.l.-il  the  villages  of  the  Kattens,  who,  as 
tlnmsayest,  are  inclined  towards  the  Romans.  I 
do  not  ask  thee  to  whom  thou  hast  wished  the 
victory." 

"I  give  information  without  questions,"  ex- 
claimed the  stranger,  proudly.  "I  have  not 
taken  Roman  pay." 

A  ray  of  kindliness  shot  from  the  eyes  of  the 
( 'hit  -f.  "Thou  art  not  an  Alemann,"  he  said;  "from 
thy  speech  thou  art  one  of  the  children  of  our 
Gods,  who  dwell  far  in  the  east." 

"A  Vandal  from  the  Oder,"  replied  the  stranger, 
hastily. 

"  It  is  a  far  way  from  thy  native  land  to  the 
battle-field  on  the  Rhine,  wanderer.  Have  thy 
p. -(.pie  sent  any  warriors  to  the  fight?" 

"  I  came  to  the  Rhine  without  any  of  my 
countrymen.  A  bitter  fate  has  driven  me  from 
the  halls  of  my  home." 


SrW  WflMA 


23 


"  A  bitter  fate  is  the  work  of  God,  or  of  the 
perversity  of  man.  May  thy  heart  not  be  op- 
pressed by  what  has  scared  thee  from  thy  home!" 

The  stranger  bowed  his  head  gratefully.  "The 
anxiety  of  the  guest  is  to  please  his  Host ;  forgive 
me  if  I  seek  to  learn  what  makes  thee  so  familiar 
with  the  stranger.  I  have  heard  in  my  home, 
from  a  song  of  the  minstrels,  that  in  my  father's 
time  a  hero  from  Thuringia  fought  among  the 
warriors  of  my  people  against  the  Romans,  fax 
south  by  the  Danube  :  Irmfried  was  his  name." 

The  Prince  drew  himself  up  in  his  seat,  and 
said,  "  His  hand  lay  with  a  blessing  on  my  head 
he  was  my  father." 

"  He  became  a  blood-brother  to  a  warrior  of 
my  people.  When  the  Prince  departed  from  my 
home,  he  with  powerful  hand  broke  in  two  a 
Roman  gold-piece,  and  left  the  half  behind,  that 
it  might  be  a  token  of  friendship  for  later  gene- 
rations. If  the  hah0  of  the  gold-piece  is  thine, 
the  other  is  mine." 

He  held  the  bright  bit  of  gold  towards  the 
Prince,  who  rose  eagerly  from  his  seat,  and  ex- 
amined the  piece  at  the  light. 

"  Keep  silence  ! "  he  exclaimed,  imploringly. 
"Let  no  one  speak  a  word.  Go,  Hildebrand,  and 
carry  to  thy  mistress  this  token,  that  she  may 


I' I  INOO. 

put  it  to  the  other  half,  and  tell  her  to  be  alone 
\\  hrn  I  bring  the  stranger  to  her." 

Hil<  lei  >rand  hastened  out;  the  Host  drew  near 
to  the  guest,  and  regarded  him  with  astonish- 
ment from  head  to  foot. 

"  Who  art  thou,  man,  that  bringest  so  high  a 
greeting  to  our  house  ? "  then,  joyfully  continuim/, 
"  There  is  no  need  to  seek  for  a  token ;  ever  since 
thou  hast  passed  the  threshold  thou  hast  stirred 
11  iy  heart.  Come  with  me,  thou  Hero,  that  thou 
mayest  tell  me  thy  name,  where  both  halves  of 
the  secret  token  will  be  joined."  He  stepped 
hastily  forward  ;  the  stranger  followed. 

In  her  chamber  stood  Frau  Gundrun,  the 
Princess,  holding  both  halves  of  the  gold-piece 
together.  "  Here  are  two  ears  from  one  stalk,"  she 
exclaimed  to  her  husband;  "  what  thou  sentest 
me  is  King  Ingbert's  token." 

"  And  he  who  kneels  to  thee,  Princess,"  said 
the  stranger,  "  is  Ingo,  son  of  King  Ingbrrt." 

A  long  silence  followed  this  declaration.  The 
lady  looked  shyly  at  the  proud  warrior,  and  on 
the  noble  countenance  of  the  princely  i<>rin, 
and  bending  low,  greeted  him,  but  the  Prince 
exclaimed  anxiously — 

"  Often  have  1  wished  to  see  the  countenance 
of  the  hospitable  friend,  the  illustrious  hero  of 


INGO.  25 

the  race  of  the  Gods ;  my  father  has  told  me  of 
the  costly  household  and  the  powerful  followers 
in  shining  armour.  But  far  otherwise  have  the 

D 

higher  powers  ordained  our  meeting.  In  the 
dress  of  a  wanderer,  as  a  stranger  suing  for 
hospitality,  I  behold  the  great  King,  and  fear  is  in 
my  heart.  The  hour  in  which  I  behold  thy  face 
portends  good.  Yet  methinks  I  show  thee  most 
honourably  my  trust." 

"  I  do  not  come  to  thee  and  the  Princess  as  a 
fortunate  one,"  said  Ingo,  seriously ;  "  I  am  a 
fugitive,  and  I  will  not  by  concealing  my  fate 
creep  under  thy  protection.  I  am  driven  from 
my  father's  home  by  my  own  uncle,  who,  after  my 
father's  death,  took  the  throne  from  his  boy. 
Trusty  friends  carefully  concealed  me  till  I  grew 
to  man's  estate;  danger  is  my  lot;  the  King's 
messengers  have  followed  me  from  nation  to 
nation  ;  they  offer  presents,  and  demand  my  per- 
son. With  a  small  body  of  faithful  followers  I 
fought  with  the  Alemanni ;  their  great  Kings  were 
gracious  to  me ;  on  the  day  of  battle  I  led  a  troop 
of  their  people.  Now  Caesar,  proud  of  victory, 
seeks  for  him  who  would  not  submit  bare-footed. 
Bis  power  reaches  to  the  castles  of  kings.  I  saw 
the  messengers  of  thy  neighbours  the  Kattens 
riding  to  the  Rhine,  with  tokens  of  peace,  and  I 


26  INGO. 

have  therefore  gone  secretly  six  days  and  nights 
along  the  path  of  the  wolves  through  their 
country  :  it  was  marvellous  that  I  escaped  them. 
It  was  fitting  that  thou  shouldst  know  this 
before  thou  sayest,  '  Be  welcome,  Ingo.' " 

The  Host  looked  uncertain,  and  sought  the  eyes 
of  his  wife,  who  sat  in  her  chair  looking  down. 
"  What  is  honourable,  and  what  my  oath  demands 
of  me,  that  will  I  do,"  said  Prince  Answald  at 
last,  and  the  clouds  passed  from  his  brow.  "  Be 
welcome,  Ingo,  son  of  a  king." 

"  Thou  display est  a  noble  mind,  Hero,"  began 
the  Princess,  "  since  thou  dreadest  to  bring  dan- 
ger to  the  dwelling  of  thy  hospitable  friend. 
But  it  befits  us  to  consider  how  we  can  at  the 
same  time  show  fidelity  to  thee,  and  guard  our 
dwellings  from  danger.  Far  sounds  the  name  of 
a  king  through  the  country,  and  many  enemies 
lurk  round  a  hero  that  is  bereft  of  a  crown;  thou 
thyself  hast  painfully  experienced  it.  Therefore 
I  think  that  only  caution  can  help  thee  and  us 
to  safety.  And  if  I  may  venture  to  give  my 
husband  an  honest  opinion,  it  appears  to  me  it 
would  be  well  that  thy  guest  should  remain 
unknown  in  thy  house,  and  that  none  should  be 
made  aware  of  his  arrival  but  thou  and  I  alone." 

"  Shall  I  conceal  a  worthy  guest  in  my  own 


INGO.  27 

house?"  exclaimed  the  Host,  displeased;  "  I  am  no 
servant  of  the  Caesars  nor  of  the  Kattens." 

"  But  the  King  of  Thuringia  also  likes  to  eat 
his  repast  from  the  golden  dishes  which  have 
been  prepared  by  Roman  art/'  continued  the 
wife;  "beware  of  awakening  the  King's  sus- 
picions." 

The  guest  stood  immovable,  and  in  vain  did 
the  Princess  try  to  ascertain  his  opinion. 

"  It  is  difficult  to  conceal  noble  blood  in  a 
servitor's  dress,"  objected  Prince  Answald. 

"  The  Hero  Siegfried  also,  whom  the  minstrel 
made  mention  of,  stood  in  a  hind's  dress  behind 
the  anvil." 

"  And  at  last  cast  the  anvil  to  the  ground,  and 
the  smith  after  it,"  cried  the  Host. 

"  Speak,  Ingo,  thyself ;  how  wouldst  thou 
have  us  treat  thee  ?  " 

"  I  am  a  suppliant,"  answered  the  guest,  with 
self-restraint,  "  and  it  is  not  for  me  to  contend  as 
to  how  high  or  low  thou  rankest  me  among  the 
companions  of  thy  bench.  I  do  not  boast  of  my 
name,  but  I  do  not  conceal  it,  and  thou  will  not 
put  me  to  common  work." 

"  He  thinks  like  me,"  exclaimed  the  Prince. 

"Heroes  always  fear  anything  touching  their 
honour/'  said  the  Princess,  laughing.  "  What  I 


•JN  INGO. 

n-k  is  easily  granted:  only  be  pleased  to  wear 
lor  a  short  time  the  dress  whirh  we  give  to 
strangers  in  our  house;  in  the  meantime  my 
husband  will  gain  the  good-will  of  the  people 
for  thee.  The  war  will  not  last  for  ever  on  the 
frontier.  Ciosar  will  not  fail  to  have  new  con- 
flicts ;  in  a  few  months  the  noise  will  die  away, 
and  meanwhile  we  may  succeed  in  gaining  also 
the  King." 

"I  will  think  it  over  till  to-night,"  said  the 
Host,  "  for  my  wife  is  a  prudent  counsellor,  and  I 
have  often  tried  her  advice.  Till  then  conceal 
thyself,  O  Hero,  by  an  humble  demeanour ;  but 
believe  me,  with  an  oppressed  heart  do  I  long 
for  the  day  when,  in  open  hall,  I  can  announce 
what  thine  and  my  honour  demand." 

Thus  the  men  left  the  chamber  of  the  Princess. 
In  the  evening,  however,  when  the  husband  was 
sitting  down  on  his  couch,  he  exclaimed  angrily, 
"It  cuts  me  to  the  heart  that  I  shall  see  him  in 
the  lowest  place  on  the  bench." 

But    the   Princess  answered   quietly,    "  1 

prove  whether  he  is  worthy  of  thy  protect! "ii. 

i»e  manner  of  the   stranger  is   uncommon. 

sin«l  his  destiny  joyless ;  his  secret  we  will  n>n- 

«.  ;tl  from  every  one,  even  from  our  child  Irm^anl." 


INQO.  29 


II. 

THE  BANQUET. 

THE  banquet  for  the  expected  guests  was  be- 
ing prepared  at  the  house  of  the  Prince.  The 
Hostess  went  with  the  maidens  through  the 
rooms  where  the  kitchen  stores  were  kept.  Long 
rows  of  hams  were  hanging  there,  round  sausages 
and  smoked  ox-tongues.  She  was  pleased  with 
the  good  provisions,  directed  that  they  should  be 
taken  to  the  kitchen,  and  ordered  the  maidens  to 
make  a  mark  on  the  best  pieces,  in  order  that  the 
carver  might  place  these  on  the  table  of  the  elder 
guests.  Then  she  went  to  the  cool  cellars,  arched 
with  stone,  which  were  situated  at  a  corner  of 
the  dwelling  where  little  sunlight  came,  being 
protected  with  earth  and  turf;  there  she  selected 
the  barrels  of  strong  beer  and  the  jugs  of  mead, 
and  looked  doubtfully  at  some  foreign-looking 
clay  vessels  which  stood  in  the  corner,  half  buried 
in  the  ground. 


30  IKGO. 

"I  do  not  think  that  my  lord  will  require  wine, 
yet  if  he  calls  for  it,  tell  the  cupbearer  to  take 
the  small  one,  for  the  others  may  be  kept  for 
a  greater  feast  day.  And  see  to  it  yours. •!!' 
that  the  awkward  fellows  do  not  break  the 
costly  vessel ;  for  what  has  been  brought  with 
great  pains,  packed  with  straw,  from  a  foreign 
land,  by  horses  and  men,  may,  after  its  long 
journey,  very  easily  be  spoilt  by  the  awkward- 
-  of  boys  when  they  are  full  of  mead." 

She  gave  another  searching  look  through  the 
large  room.  "  There  are  stores  enough  for  a 
C'hirftain's  house,  and  may  the  mead  for  many  a 
year  rejoice  the  hearts  of  our  men ;  may  the 
Gods  grant  that  our  heroes  may  all  drink  cheer- 
fully and  honourably.  And  listen,  Frida:  one 
knows  well  what  is  usually  required  by  men, 
but  drink  defies  calculation,  even  when  abun- 
dant. Let  three  bottles  of  old  mead  be  taken 
out  of  the  stores,  and  tell  the  cup-bearer,  if  1  lu- 
men are  peaceable  and  conversing  n^prrtably, 
this  also  may  be  offered  them  at  the  end;  but 
if  they  become  angry  with  each  other,  and  get 
into  discordant  wrangle,  he  must  be  cautious 
in  hrlpiug  them,  so  that  no  groat  evil  may 
ensue." 

The  lady  then  stepped  into  the  kitchen,  where 


INGO.  31 

great  fires  were  burning  on  stone  plates.  Tlio 
young  men  were  occupied  in  front  of  the  house 
cutting  up  fat  oxen,  some  large  deer,  and  three 
wild  boars,  and  attaching  the  meat  to  long 
spits.  The  maidens  sat  in  a  row,  plucking 
many  fowls,  or  kneading  with  their  hands 
spiced  wheaten  dough  into  large  balls.  The 
village  boys  awaited  with  smiling  countenances 
the  time  when  they  should  turn  the  spits,  that 
they  also  might  have  a  savoury  share  from  the 
feast  of  the  heroes. 

Meanwhile  the  Chieftain's  men  were  occupied 
in  the  great  hall.  The  grand  building  stood  in 
the  middle  of  the  court,  formed  of  thick  pine- 
wood  beams ;  a  staircase  led  to  the  open  door ;  in- 
side two  rows  of  high  wooden  columns  supported 
the  beams  of  the  roof;  from  the  pillars  up  to  the 
wall  on  both  sides  ran  raised  benches;  in  the 
middle,  opposite  the  door,  stood  the  seats  of 
honour  for  the  Host  and  the  most  distinguished 
guests ;  near  them  a  space  beautifully  adorned  like 
an  arbour,  for  the  ladies  of  the  house,  that  they 
might  look  on  at  the  banquet  of  the  men  as  long 
as  they  liked.  The  younger  men  decked  the 
wooden  arbour  with  blooming  branches  which 
they  had  brought  from  the  fields.  Outside  \\Olt 
was  driving  up  a  large  waggon,  with  rushes 


:;L(  INGO. 

and  reeda  to  strew  on  the  floor,  which  he  had 
cut  from  the  banks  of  the  nearest  pond. 

"  It  is  well  to  be  here,  guest,"  began  Wolf, 
greeting  Ingo;  "the  Princess  was  gracious  to  thee; 
thnu  hast  now  a  new  dress,  woven  by  our  women: 
how  does  the  cloth  of  the  maidens  of  Thuringia 
suit  thee?" 

"  What  is  willingly  offered  sits  comfortably  on 
the  receiver,"  answered  the  stranger,  laughing. 
"  I  rejoice  to  hear  thy  voice  again;  thou  hast  been 
for  days  away." 

"We  herdsmen  have  been  with  the  dogs  to 
fetch  the  animals  from  the  wood  to  be  roasted 
for  the  feast,"  replied  the  man.  "  Help  me, 
Tli.-odulf !"  he  cried  out  to  one  of  his  com- 
panions ;  "  am  I  to  clear  the  waggon  alone  ? " 

Theodulf,  a  proud  man  of  the  Prince's  retinue, 
pushed  his  hand  stiffly  among  the  rushes,  and 
said  over  his  shoulder  to  the  stranger,  "  He  who 
is  wont  to  beg  for  a  stranger's  dress  should  not 
stand  idle  when  better  men  are  using  their 
hands." 

Ingo  looked  frowningly  at  the  speaker,  a  tall 
soli licr-like  figure,  broad-chested,  with  a  long  scar 
on  his  cluN-k,  who  returned  the  look  of  the 
strangi -r  with  equal  defiance.  At  the  eyes  of  the 
one  was  kindled  the  anger  of  the  other,  till  the 


INGO.  S3 

looks  of  both  opponents  darted  flames  at  one 
another.  But  Ingo,  with  great  self-control, 
restrained  his  wrath,  and  turning  his  back, 
answered,  "  If  thou  hadst  spoken  kindly,  I 
should  willingly  have  followed  thy  suggestion." 

But  the  watchman  whispered  to  him,  "  Take 
care  not  to  irritate  him;  he  is  a  cross-grained 
fellow,  who  gladly  gets  into  a  quarrel;  he  is  related 
to  the  Princess,  and  he  does  not  serve  as  we  do, 
for  he  is  of  noble  race,  has  only  engaged  himself 
for  a  time,  and  will  some  day  succeed  to  the  rich 
inheritance  of  his  father.  No  wonder  that  the 
rushes  prick  him  when  he  is  obliged  to  carry  them." 

"He  who  serves  must  carry,"  replied  Ingo, 
moodily. 

The  maidens  also  took  notice  of  the  fete  dress 
of  the  stranger. 

"  See,  my  lady,  how  proudly  the  stranger  steps 
in  the  doublet  bestowed  upon  him  by  the  Princess," 
said  Frida  to  Irmgard. 

"  A  gallant  spirit  ennobles  the  meanest  dress," 
replied  Irmgard. 

"  Mean  !  "  exclaimed  Frida ;  "  the  jacket  is  of 
the  best  cloth  from  our  chest;  I  must  know  it,  for 
I  myself  stitched  it.  It  is  singular  that  the 
Princess  should  have  bestowed  it  upon  a  tra- 
veller ! " 

3 


;>i  moo. 

"  But  he  is  truly  no  every-day  man,"  answered 
Irmgard. 

"That  I  think  also,"  assented  Frida  inquisitively, 
"for  I  observed  a  little  while  ago  the  Prin  «•,-•> 
accosting  him  in  the  house  •when  he  came  in  her 
way;  on  both  sides  it  was  a  princely  greeting. 
She  smiled  on  him,  and  laid  her  hand  on  his  dress, 
as  if  he  were  an  intimate  member  of  her  kindred." 

"  When  the  stranger  yesterday  evening  ap- 
proached the  hearth  round  which  the  men  were 
ubled,"  replied  Irmgard,  "my  father,  who  be- 
lt >if  had  been  carelessly  joking  with  the  menials, 
on  seeing  the  stranger,  changed  his  demeanour, 
and  rose  from  his  seat  as  if  to  meet  him,  though 
he  did  nut,  however,  do  it;  yet  from  that  moment 
his  manner  was  stately,  and  the  meal  as  quiet  as 
if  a  messenger  from  the  King's  court  were  sitting 
at  the  Prince's  table." 

"  The  stranger  also,"  continued  Frida,  eagerly, 
"  walked  with  dignity  up  to  the  Prince,  as  thou-li 
he  would  take  his  place  by  the  seat  of  honour, 
and  one  of  the  boys  had  to  draw  him  back  1-y 
the  jacket  to  his  place,  that  he  might  not  be  t.  r 
getful  of  proper  respect." 

"I  saw  it,"  added  Irmgard,  with  a  nod;  "In- 
smiled  at  it;"  and  she  smiled  herself  at  the  recol- 
lection. 


INQO.  35 

"  Yet  he  sits  quite  low  down  on  the  bench,"  ex- 
claimed Frida;  "and  now  that  witty  Wolf  has 
begun  again  to  stir  his  great  tongue,  he  has  to 
listen  to  all  the  wisdom  of  the  boys." 

"  If  there  is  a  secret,"  said  Irmgard,  in  a  low 
tone,  "it  will  certainly  be  announced  to  us  maidens 
at  last." 

"But  thou  thyself,  lady,"  said  Frida,  "hast 
shown  him  little  favour  lately.  We  were  the 
first  whom  he  greeted  so  honourably,  and  for  three 
long  days  thou  hast  avoided  speaking  to  him. 
The  man  will  blame  thee  as  unfriendly  and  hard- 
hearted, and  he  has  not  the  boldness  to  venture 
to  accost  thee,  as  he  comes  in  such  miserable 
plight ;  therefore  do  thou  offer  him  a  greeting  at 
last." 

"  Let  us  do  what  is  proper,"  answered  Irmgard. 

She  moved  with  calm  self-possession  towards 
the  troop  of  proud  youths  who  were  in  the  habit 
of  following  the  Prince  when  he  rode  through 
the  villages,  or  in  the  front  of  the  battle.  But 
when  she  came  near  the  stranger,  she  became  shy 
of  speaking  to  him  before  others,  and  stopped 
by  Theodulf,  saying,  "  I  heard  your  hunting  horn 
late  yesterday ;  had  you  good  sport,  cousin  ? " 

Theodulf  coloured  with  joy  because  the 
Prince's  child  had  greeted  him  before  the  others. 


36 

!nt«Ml  to  her  his  good  fortune  in  tho  . 
and  led  her  to  a  wooden  partition,  where  a  two- 
year-old  bear  was  sitting  very  discontentedly. 
"  The  hounds  seized  him  by  the  skin,  I  bound 
him  with  thongs,  and  brought  him  alive  to  the 
house ;  he  will  become  a  playfellow  for  the  chil- 
<livn  in  the  village." 

When  Irmgard  had  looked  at  the  brown  bean 
and  gone  away  with  Frida,  the  latter  exclaimed 
indignantly,  "  Truly,  you  have  spoken  politely  to 
the  stranger." 

"  I  was  near  enough  to  him,"  answered  Irm- 
gard, "  and  yet  he  was  silent." 

"  He  knows  better  what  is  due  to  the  Prince's 
•  laughter,"  replied  Frida. 

But  Irmgard  watched  the  stranger  after  that, 
ami  when  she  saw  him  leaning  apart  I'm m 
tin-  others,  against  the  fence  of  the  courtyard, 
slir  went  over  to  him  alone,  stopped,  as  if  acci- 
dentally, and  said,  "  On  the  elder  tree  over  thy 
head  a  small  grey  bird  dwells — the  nightingale. 
Tin-  maidens  exorcise  every  evening  the  weasel 
aii'l  the  screech-owl,  that  they  may  not  d( 
the  nest.  If  he  sing  to  thee,  listen  to  him 
kindly,  that  he  may  delight  thy  friendly  spirit. 
Th'-y  say  that  in  his  songs  he  re-minds  every  ono 
of  what  is  dear  to  him." 


INGO,  37 

Ingo  answered  cordially,  "  All  birds — the  hawk 
in  the  air  and  the  singer  in  the  bush — sing  the 
same  song  to  the  ear  of  the  stranger;  they  re- 
mind him  of  home.  There  the  dear  mother  once 
scattered  winter  food  for  the  birds,  that  they 
might  sing  to  her  son  good  omens  for  his  life. 
They  have  since  then  kept  faith  with  him. 
Many  a  time  have  the  wild  feathered  messengers 
warned  the  restless  man,  on  the  heath  and  in  the 
forest,  of  dangers ;  they  have  been  the  com- 
panions of  his  destiny;  like  him  they  wander 
homeless  over  the  earth,  and  like  him  feeding 
themselves  either  upon  the  prey  which  they 
seize,  or  on  the  gifts  bestowed  on  them  by  an  hos- 
pitable friend." 

"  And  yet  they  find  everywhere  materials  from 
which  to  build  their  nest,"  replied  Irmgard. 

"But  where  can  the  homeless  make  his  house?" 
asked  the  guest,  earnestly.  "  He  who  stands  on 
his  own  threshold,  and  counts  the  horses  on  the 
inheritance  of  his  father,  he  knows  not  how 
poverty  gnaws  at  the  heart  of  the  proud  man, 
when  he  must  accept  the  gifts  he  himself  would 
like  to  bestow  on  others." 

"  Thou  complainest  of  the  hospitality  of  the 
house  at  whose  hearth  thou  hast  been  received/' 
answered  Irmgard,  reproachfully. 


38  INGO. 

"  I  call  the  Host  and  his  lady  blessed,  who  are 
gracious  in  their  noble  house  to  a  stranger  in  the 
laml,"  ivj>lie<l  the  guest.  "But  the  thoughts  of 
the  man  to  whom  a  corner  on  their  bench  is 
granted  ramble  insecurely.  For  the  stranger 
must  ever  watch  anxiously  the  aspect  of  the 
Host,  whether  he  still  keeps  his  favour.  Every 
one  in  the  house  stands  secure  in  his  rights ;  only 
to  the  wandering  stranger  is  the  ground  on  which 
he  treads  like  a  thin  sheet  of  ice,  which  in  the 
morning,  perhaps,  may  break  under  him;  and 
whenever  a  mouth  is  opened,  he  knows  not 
whether  it  signifies  honour  or  shame.  Do  not  be 
angry  with  me  for  this  complaint,"  he  begged 
frankly.  "Thine  eyes  and  thy  words  have 
drawn  out  secret  cares  from  my  breast,  and  too 
boldly  have  I  ventured  on  confidential  speech. 
It  would  be  painful  to  me  to  displease  thee." 

"I  shall  think  of  thy  words  in  the  future," 
answered  Irmgard,  softly,  "  whenever  I  see  a 
lonely  wanderer  at  our  house.  But  be  assured 
that  thou  art  welcome  here  to  many.  The 
Tl mrin^'ians  like  a  cheerful  spirit  and  sociable 
talk;  shew  thyself  thus  to-day  among  our  neigh- 
bours ;  and  if  I  may  venture  to  give  thee  good 
do  not  turn  aside  from  the  young  men 
they  practise  their  warlike  games;  for  I 


INGO.  39 

think  that  thou  also  mayest  succeed  well  in  these. 
If  thou  gain  praise  among  our  countrymen,  it 
will  give  pleasure  to  our  house,  for  it  is  an 
honour  to  the  Host  when  the  guest  wins  fame. 
And  I  observe  that  my  father  also  wishes  thee 
well."  She  bent  her  head,  blushing,  and  moved 
away  from  the  neighbourhood  of  the  stranger ; 
but  he  looked  joyfully  after  her. 

The  Prince  stood  in  front  of  his  house  to  receive 
the  nobles  and  the  free  peasants  who  arrived 
from  all  sides  on  horseback  and  on  foot,  and  were 
greeted  at  the  gateway  by  the  Herald  Hildebrand. 
Those  who  approached  on  horseback  dismounted 
there,  and  the  young  men  led  their  horses  into  a 
large  enclosure,  and  fastened  them  firmly,  that 
the  servants  might  rub  the  foam  off  with  straw, 
and  scatter  old  oats  in  the  crib.  All  were 
worthily  greeted  and  accosted.  The  guests  stood 
in  a  wide  circle  in  the  court — a  proud  company, 
distinguished  men  from  twenty  villages  of  the 
neighbouring  country,  all  in  their  warlike  appa- 
rel, with  ash  spears  in  their  hands,  swords  and 
daggers  by  their  sides,  in  beautiful  leather  caps 
which  were  adorned  with  the  tusks  and  ears  of 
wild  boars ;  many  towered  over  the  rest  in.  iron 
helmets,  with  leather  collars  or  coats  of  mail 
over  their  white  shirts,  and  in  high  leather 


40 

stockings  which  reached  up  to  the  body ;  many 
also  who  were  rich,  and  esteemed  the  wares  of  the 
Rlu-nish  traders,  wore  a  loose  garment  of  foreign 
material,  that  had  fine  hairs  of  bright  colours, 
and  shone  like  the  delicate  fur  of  a  wild  beast. 
The  men  stood  silent,  rejoicing  in  the  meeting : 
only  some  who  stepped  aside  together,  exchanged 
words  in  a  low  tone  upon  the  reports  which  had 
flown  through  the  country  of  the  great  battle  in 
the  west,  and  of  the  threatening  times.  But 
those  who  knew  the  characters  of  the  men,  like 
Hildebrand  the  Herald,  perceived  that  their  minds 
were  unsettled  and  their  opinions  dissimilar. 
The  reception  lasted  long,  for  single  individuals 
kept  still  coming,  who  had  loitered,  till  at  last  the 
Herald  went  up  to  the  Chieftain,  and  pointed  to 
the  sun. 

Then  the  Host  led  his  guests  in  front  of  the 
hall,  and  they  solemnly  ascended  the  steps  in 
procession ;  at  the  entrance  they  were  received 
by  the  Hostess ;  near  her  stood  her  daughter  and 
the  maidens.  The  men  did  homage  respectfully 
to  the  ladies ;  the  Princess  extended  her  hand 
to  all,  and  duly  enquired  after  their  wives  and  the 
state  of  their  families ;  to  the  men  of  their  kindred 
she  offered  her  cheek  for  a  kiss.  The  Chiefs  of 
the  people  took  high  places  on  the  seats  of  the 


INQO.  41 

gallery,  and  began  earnest  converse,  whilst  the 
cup-bearer  and  servants  entered  in  long  rows, 
bearing  the  welcoming  draught  in  wooden  cups, 
and.  light  dainties,  such  as  white  spiced  cakes, 
and  smoked  meat. 

Meanwhile  the  youths  were  impatiently  pre- 
paring, on  the  lawn  in  front  of  the  house,  the 
course  for  the  martial  games.  The  village  boys 
began  the  competition,  that  they  also  might  win 
the  praise  of  the  warriors ;  they  ran  races,  sprang 
over  a  horse,  and  shot  at  a  perch  with  reed  arrows. 
But  soon  the  youths  were  seized  with  emulation  ; 
they  threw  the  spear,  and  cast  the  heavy  stone, 
springing . after  it;  and  when  Theodulf,  with  a 
powerful  swing,  had  thrown  the  heaviest  stone, 
and  made  the  widest  leap,  a  fathom  beyond  the 
others,  there  burst  forth  a  loud  shout  reaching  to 
the  hall,  and  even  the  old  and  the  wise  heads 
of  the  people  could  not  keep  their  seats  any 
longer,  but  hastened  to  the  exhibition  on  the  lawn- 
Great  became  the  circle  of  spectators ;  the  women 
of  the  village  stood  there  in  their  festive  dresses, 
separated  from  the  men,  and  in  the  surrounding 
circle  the  sound  of  the  acclamations  and  the 
praises  of  the  victor  became  ever  louder. 

Among  the  spectators  stood  Ingo,  watching 
these  feats  of  agility  and  strength.  Then  Isan- 


42  INGO. 

bart,  an  old  Chief  of  the  district,  stepped  up  to 
him,  and  looking  at  him  searchingly,  began  so 
ninly  that  others  ceased  speaking. 

"  Among  thy  people  also,  stranger,  from  wher- 
ever thou  hast  thine  origin,  the  young  warriors 
undoubtedly  exercise  themselves  in  leaping  and 
feats  of  arms ;  I  see  by  thine  arm  and  eye  that 
thou  art  not  quite  unacquainted  with  the  game  ; 
perhaps  it  will  please  thee  to  show  our  young 
men  what  the  practice  is  in  thy  home,  even 
though  thou  mayest  not  be  as  well  versed  in  the 
art  as  a  Chief.  If  thou  art  from  the  east,  as  I  con- 
ceive, thou  must  at  least  know  how  to  swing  the 
wooden  club :  this  throw  also  shows  the  strength 
of  the  man,  although  my  countrymen  practise  it 
little.  In  the  hall  I  saw  such  a  club  over  the 
seat  of  the  Host." 

Ingo  answered  the  good  old  man,  "  If  the 
Prince  and  the  Chiefs  of  the  people  will  allow 
me,  I  will  attempt  what  I  have  formerly  learnt." 

The  Prince  nodded.  One  of  the  retinue 
rushed  to  the  house,  and  brought  with  him  a 
weapon  of  oakwood,  curved  backwards  from  the 
handle,  with  a  sharp  edge  in  front.  The  club 
was  passed  from  hand  to  hand,  and  the  men 
weighed  the  light  tool,  laughing. 

"  This  weapon  is  similar  to  what  our  swine- 


1NQO.  43 

herd  carries  to  destroy  wolves,"  cried  Theodulf, 
contemptuously ;  but  the  old  man  Isanbart 
answered  reprovingly,  "Thou  speakest  foolishly; 
I  saw- a  skull  broken  like  a  clay  jug  with  a  club 
not  so  heavy  as  this."  And  he  laid  the  club  in 
the  hands  of  the  Host. 

"  Any  one  who  has  ridden  over  a  field  of  battle 
in  the  eastern  marches,"  said  the  Prince,  "  knows 
well  the  wounds  made  by  the  stroke  of  this 
knotted  weapon.  Yet  I  have  heard  from  old 
warriors  that  a  secret  lies  in  the  wood,  and  that 
it  is  difficult  to  master  the  throw;  for  it  may 
maliciously  strike  the  incautious  one's  own 
head.  This  wooden  club  is  not  unworthy  of  the 
hand  of  a  noble,  for  in  former  days  it  was  a  king's 
weapon,  and  my  father  brought  it  home  from 
a  foreign  country." 

"  Then  it  shall  show  its  powers  to  the  son," 
cried  out  Ingo,  joyfully  catching  hold  of  it.  With 
'  a  smart  swing  of  the  arm  he  threw  the  club ;  it 
flew  in  circling  curves  through  the  air;  but  when 
all  thought  that  it  would  strike  the  ground,  it 
came,  as  if  drawn  by  a  cord,  back  again  to  him : 
he  caught  hold  of  it  in  the  air  by  the  handle,  and 
threw  it  again  hither  and  thither,  always  quicker, 
and  it  always  returned  obediently  to  his  hand.  So 
easy  and  frolicsome  did  the  game  with  the  oakeo, 


4  V  INOO. 

i  lul.  appear,  that  the  spectators  drew  near,  and 
lou-1  laughter  went  through  the  circle. 

"That  is  a  juggling  trick  of  the  traveller,"  ex- 
claimed Theodulf,  contemptuously. 

"  It  is  a  weapon  of  defence  in  a  man's  hand," 
retorted  the  stranger;  "  thy  skull  can  scarcely  be 
harder  than  this  iron  cap." 

He  spoke  to  Wolf,  who  laid  an  old  iron  helmet 
on  a  pole  at  the  distance  of  a  spear's  throw. 
The  stranger  measured  the  distance  of  the  mark, 
weighed  the  weapon  in  his  hand,  threw  it  in  a 
curve  at  the  helmet,  and  sprang  with  a  power- 
ful bound  after  it.  Loud  cracked  the  bursting 
metal,  and  yet  the  club  came  back  again,  and 
again  Ingo  caught  it  with  a  strong  hand,  and 
held  it  on  high.  A  cry  of  astonishment  sounded 
through  the  circle,  and  a  curious  crowd  collected 
round  the  shattered  helmet. 

"  Well  then,"  began  Theodulf,  condescendingly, 
"  thou  hast  shown  us  thy  usages,  try  now  our 
practices.  Bring  hither  the  horses  for  the 
Isapers." 

First  two  horses  were  placed  beside  each 
other,  head  by  head  and  tail  by  tail.  The  leaper 
drew  back,  and  with  a  short  run  sprang  over. 
Almost  all  were  successful  in  the  leap,  but  with 
three  horses  only  a  few  succeeded,  and  Theodulf 


INGO.  45 

alone  was  able  to  leap  over  four,  and  as  he  drew 
back  into  the  crowd  behind  the  horses,  he  gave 
a  look  of  challenge  to  the  stranger,  and  made  a 
gesture  with  his  hand  to  the  attendants.  The 
stranger  bowed  his  head  a  little,  and  made  the 
same  leap  so  easily  that  the  field  resounded  with 
applause.  Then  Theodulf  called  for  a  fifth  horse 
to  be  added — a  difficult  leap  seldom  accomplished 
by  the  most  agile.  But  the  Thuringian  was 
irritated,  and  determined  to  do  the  uttermost. 
He  himself  disposed  the  horses  differently,  that 
the  grey  might  stand  as  fifth,  then  he  looked 
round  him,  received  the  acclamations  of  his 
friends,  and  ventured  on  the  mighty  leap.  He 
got  over,  but  in  coming  down  he  touched  the 
grey  with  his  back.  Whilst,  however,  stepping 
forward  and  rejoicing  in  the  hurrahs  of  the 
people,  a  still  louder  acclamation  sounded  behind 
him,  and  turning  round,  he  saw  the  stranger, 
who  this  time  rapidly  and  easily,  without  touch- 
ing, had  accomplished  the  leap.  The  Thuringian 
grew  pale  with  rage ;  he  went  silently  to  his 
place,  and  endeavoured  in  vain  to  suppress  the 
jealousy  that  shone  forth  from  his  eyes.  The 
old  men,  however,  went  up  to  the  stranger,  and 
praised  his  agility,  and  the  old  Chief  said,  "  I 
perceive,  stranger,  if  thy  bearing  does  not  deceive 


46  INGO. 

me,  that  thou  art  not  ignorant  of  the  leap  over 
six  horses  also,  which  is  called  the  King's  leap, 
aii-1  in  which  a  hero  does  not  succeed  in  every 
generation.  I  saw  it  once  when  I  was  young, 
but  my  people  never."  And  he  cried  aloud, 
"  Bring  the  sixth  horse  hither !  " 

Then  there  arose  a  murmur  in  the  circle,  and 
the  more  distant  pressed  nearer,  whilst  the 
youths  hastened  to  place  the  horse.  But  the 
Princess  stepped  up  to  Ingo :  she  was  grieved  at 
the  discomfiture  of  her  relation,  and  said  in  a 
low  tone  to  the  guest — 

"  Consider  well,  Hero ;  the  arrow  of  the  hunter 
easily  hits  the  mountain  cock,  when  on  spread- 
ing his  wings  he  raises  his  voice."  But  Ingo 
looked  at  Irmgard,  who  was  standing  in  j<>\  ful 
•tation  behind  her  mother,  and  gave  him  a 
friendly  smile,  and  he  answered  with  glowing 
cheeks — 

"  Do  not  be  angry  with  me,  Princess.  I  have 
been  called  for;  I  did  not  intrude  myself  into  the 
struggle ;  unwillingly  does  a  man  renounce  the 
offered  honour." 

II  st«']']n-<l  back  for  the  spring,  raised  him- 
self powerfully  in  the  air,  and  accomplish* d  the 
leap,  so  that  all  the  people  shoute«l;  and 
he  returned,  he  heeded  not  the  disjili-;i>t-<l 


INGO.  47 

of  the  Princess;  he  rejoiced  that  he  had  succeeded, 
and  that  Irmgard's  face  brightened  with  a  rosy 
tint.  The  spectators  for  a  long  time  kept 
moving  about  among  one  another,  speaking  of 
the  boldness  of  the  stranger,  and  extolling  him, 
till  other  objects  were  placed  for  the  contest  of 
the  men.  Ingo  from  thenceforth  stood  q^uiet 
near  the  Chiefs,  and  no  one  called  him  to  a  new 
struggle. 

The  sun  was  already  sinking,  when  the  Herald 
approached  the  Prince,  and  invited  the  company 
to  the  repast.  The  men  obeyed  the  call  cheer- 
fully ;  they  returned  in  procession  to  the  house, 
and  ascended  the  steps  to  the  hall.  The  Herald 
and  the  High  Steward  walked  before  them,  and 
arranged  each  one  at  the  tables  in  the  hall 
according  to  his  rank  and  position.  This  was  an 
anxious  task,  for  every  one  desired  the  place 
that  suited  him — either  at  the  table  of  the  Chief- 
tain, or  near  him,  and  rather  on  the  right  side 
than  the  left.  There  was  a  long  row  of  tables; 
the  seats  for  the  most  distinguished  had  supports 
for  the  arms,  and  those  for  others  of  less  distinc- 
tion had  high  backs;  for  the  younger  ones  there 
were  good  stools.  It  was  difficult  to  satisfy  all 
with  a  seat  of  honour,  but  the  Herald  understood 
his  office,  and  knew  how  to  recommend  to  many 


48  1NGO. 

tin  ir  places,  on  account  either  of  their  neighbour, 
or  of  being  near  the  ladies,  or  of  having  a 
view  of  the  hall.  Nearest  to  the  door  \\vn- 
placed  the  companions  of  the  master  of  the 
house,  in  a  long  row ;  there  Theodulf  had  a  place 
of  honour;  and  on  the  opposite  side,  but  quite 
below,  sat  the  stranger.  Then,  when  all  were 
sitting  in  expectation,  the  cup-bearer  entered 
with  the  servants,  carrying  in  beautiful  wooden 
goblets  the  greeting  draught ;  the  Host  rose,  and 
drank  to  the  good  health  of  the  guests,  and  ail 
stood  up  and  emptied  their  goblets.  Then  came 
the  High  Steward,  with  his  staff,  and  behind  him 
a  long  row  of  servants,  who  set  the  first  course 
on  the  table;  then  each  one  took  the  knife  which 
he  carried  by  his  side,  and  began  the  ineal 
vigorously. 

In  the  beginning  there  was  silence  among 
the  benches,  for  the  talking  of  all  was  interrupted 
by  their  hunger,  and  they  only  praised  in  a  low 
tone  the  abundant  care  of  the  Princess ;  yet  the 
older  men,  near  the  Prince,  entered  into  serious 
conversation;  they  called  to  mind  the  past  drc.K 
of  heroes,  and  praised  the  virtues  of  their  horses. 
The  others  listened  willingly  to  their  words, 
while  eating. 

A  nobleman  by  the  side  of  the  Prince  began  in 


INGO.  49 

a  loud  voice,  "  Truly  the  pleasantest  thing  to  me 
in  summer  is  just  such  a  high  feast  as  this,  where 
fellow-countrymen  greet  each  other  in  warlike 
attire  in  the  green  meadows,  the  grey  heads 
remember  their  old  warlike  journeys,  and  the 
combat-loving  youths  show  in  their  games  that 
their  strength  may  at  some  future  day  add  to  the 
honour  of  their  fathers.  The  sun  shines  warm, 
and  the  face  of  the  Host  smiles  upon  the  guests, 
the  herds  of  cattle  frisk  about,  and  the  ears  of 
corn  ripen  in  the  south  wind ;  glad  is  the  heart 
of  man  at  such  a  time,  and  he  thinks  unwillingly 
of  cares.  Yet  it  befits  a  man,  even  at  his  meals, 
not  to  lay  aside  his  sword  further  than  his  arm 
can  reach,  for  all  life  is  full  of  change  in  the 
valleys  of  men ;  the  heavens  may  soon  be  covered 
by  a  veil  of  dark  grey  clouds,  and  the  earth  by 
a  garment  of  white  snow ;  no  happiness  is  last- 
ing on  this  earth,  and  each  day  may  bring  a  new 
fate.  Thus  even  now  news  has  spread  among 
the  people  from  the  land  of  the  Romans;  many 
are  anxious  concerning  it,  and  in  their  thoughts 
ask  our  Host  whether  he  has  received  intelligence 
which  it  woul  1  l>o  well  for  us  to  know." 

This  speech  gave  the  opinion  of  all,  and  thriv. 
was  a  sound  of  assent  from  every  table;  then 
there  was  a  great  silence. 

4 


50  INGO. 

But  the  Prince  answered  cautiously,  "We 
have  all  heard  of  the  great  battle,  and  are 
considering  whether  it  will  be  for  our  wel- 
fare. Yet  I  do  not  advise  that  we  forest  men, 
now  engaged  with  our  drinking-horns,  should 
cast  our  eyes  downwards  with  anxious  looks. 
As  yet  we  only  know  what  wanderers  bring 
from  foreign  lands,  perhaps  what  they  themselves 
have  beheld,  perhaps  uncertain  rumour.  There- 
fore our  messengers  are  riding  through  the  fon-st 
southwards  for  new  intelligence.  We  await  their 
return.  Then  our  wise  men  will  examine  whether 
the  news  deserves  that  the  people  should  concern 
themselves  about  it." 

As  these  words  announced  that  the  Host  would 
not  give  any  information  concerning  the  Roman 
war,  there  arose  a  suppressed  murmur,  and  Herr 
Answald  remarked  that  his  guests  would  gladly 
have  learned  more,  and  were  not  pleased  with  his 
silence. 

The  Prince  therefore  gave  a  quiet  sign  to  the 
Herald,  who  stepped  forward,  and  called  out  \\  ith 
a  loud  voice,  "  The  sword-dancers  approach,  and 
beg  for  your  favour."  Then  every  one  was  silent, 
and  ai  nuiLT'-'l  tliciiiM-lvos  for  the  spectacle,  and  the 
women  vox-  I'mm  their  seats. 

A  piper  and  bagpiper  stepped  forward,  behind 


51 


them  twelve  dancers,  young  waniors  from  the 
people,  and  of  the  Chieftain's  household,  in  white 
under-dresses,  with  coloured  girdles,  and  shining 
swords  in  their  hands;  before  them  walked  Wolf 
as  thirteenth,  the  sword-king,  in  a  red  dress. 
They  stopped  at  the  entrance,  and  saluted,  lower- 
ing their  weapons  ;  then  they  began  the  song  of 
the  dance,  and  glided  with  slow  steps  up  to  the 
open  space  before  the  seat  of  the  Chiefs.  The 
sword-king  stood  in  the  middle,  his  twelve  com- 
rades encircling  him  solemnly  with  raised  swords. 
He  gave  a  sign,  the  pipers  blew,  the  movements 
became  quicker,  half  of  them  bounded  to  the  right 
in  an  inner  circle,  the  others  placed  themselves 
opposite  outside,  and  each  one  exchanged  with 
all  whom  he  met  sword-strokes  according  to  the 
rule  of  the  stroke.  Then  the  king  dived  amongst 
the  shining  swords,  gliding  now  to  the  outer,  now 
to  the  inner  circle;  he  received  and  answered 
with  his  weapon  the  strokes  of  the  others.  The 
windings  became  more  skilful,  the  movements 
more  eager;  one  after  the  other  turned  himself,  as 
in  a  li'dit,  through  the  revolving  circles  of  the 

o        *  o  o 

others.  Then  they  divided  themselves  into 
groups,  hastening  against  each  other  in  measure, 
and  with  weapons  stretched  out,  till  they  at  the 
same  time,  now  thiee  and  now  four,  interlaced 


52 


into  a  fighting  posture.  Suddenly 
tin  v  all  lowered  their  swords  in  a  large  circle  to 
the  ground,  and  entwined  them  in  a  moment  in 
an  artistic  plait  that  looked  like  a  shield.  The 
>  word-king  stood  upon  it,  and  his  twelve  com- 
rades were  able  to  raise  him  on  the  shield  of 
swords  from  the  ground  up  to  their  shoulders, 
where  he  stood,  and  with  his  sword  greeted  the 
1'rinre,  the  guests,  and  the  ladies.  In  like  manner 
they  let  him  down  slowly  to  the  ground,  loosened 
.s  wonl  from  sword,  and  began  anew  to  attack  one 
another  in  a  circle,  now  springing  about  and 
exchanging  sword-blows  quick  as  lightning. 
Scarcely  could  the  eye  follow  the  single  strokes 
in  the  whirl  ;  the  bright  steel  sparkled,  and  the 
men  swung  their  bodies  under  the  sharp  weapons; 
the  pipes  sounded  shrill,  the  bagpipes  droned 
wildly  ;  and  sparks  darted  forth  from  the  swords. 
Thus  was  carried  on  the  game  of  the  heroes  in 
the  Prince's  hall,  until  the  dancers  stopped,  as  if 
by  magic,  in  the  position  of  fighters,  two  against 
two.  Then  began  again  the  dance-song  of  the 
dancers,  and  making  a  solemn  salute,  they  glided 
with  >lo\v  steps  away,  and  went  in  procession  out 
of  the  hall.  Fi.'iu  the  seat*  there  soundr.l  n 
.xtoim  of  applause,  the  guests  sprang  up  in  ec.st.u  \, 
and  called  out  joyful  thanks  to  the  dancers. 


INGO.  53 

A  nobleman  named  Rothari,  who  was  near  the 
Prince,  rose  up,  and  began. 

"  I  speak  as  I  think ;  more  skilful  sword-play 
have  my  eyes  never  seen  among  other  people, 
and  we  Thuringians  are  the  most  famous  upon 
the  earth  for  such  skill.  But  lower  down  there, 
on  the  bench  of  the  Prince,  sits  a  stranger,  power- 
ful in  warlike  performances.  And  if  I  value  him 
according  to  the  capacity  which  he  has  shown 
this  day,  I  would  place  his  seat  high  among  the 
strong.  Yet  the  Gods  divide  unequally  their 
gifts;  even  a  stranger  who  does  not  know  his 
ancestors  may  become  an  honourable  warrior. 
People  say  that  the  news  of  the  Roman  battle 
came  first  into  our  country  from  the  Prince's 
house ;  and  when  I  saw  the  stranger,  I  considered 
him  as  the  messenger;  but  the  throw  of  the  club 
showed  that  he  belonged  to  the  East.  I  give 
the  health  of  the  guest  in  the  hall." 

Ingo  rose  and  returned  thanks.  Then  Theo- 
dulf  called  out  aloud — 

"  I  have  seen  many  leap  and  swing  on  soft  turf, 
who  forgot  higher  leaps  in  the  field  of  battle." 

"  Thou  speakest  right,"  replied  Ingo,  coldly ; 
"yet  jealousy  gnaws  the  soul  of  many  a  one 
because  he  himself  lias  not  sprung  highest  on 
the  turf." 


54  INGO. 

"  The  man  who  bears  in  front  of  his  body  his 
scars,  is  esteemed  more  worthy  of  honour  among 
us  than  a  leaper,"  answered  Theodulf. 

"But  I  have  learnt  from  the  old  and  wise 
that  it  is  more  glorious  to  give  deep  wounds  than 
to  bear  them." 

"  Certainly  the  dignity  becomes  thee  of  a  Chief 
before  whom  his  retinue  holds  the  shield  against 
hostile  spears,  that  his  rosy  countenance  may 
endure  for  the  pleasure  of  the  people,"  retorted 
scornfully  the  Prince's  man. 

"  And  I  have  heard  many  a  one  who  received 
a  sword-stroke  cluck  over  it  like  a  hen  over  its 
egg,"  replied  Ingo,  contemptuously. 

"The  shirt  conceals  also  inglorious  wounds, 
the  traces  of  strokes  which  have  fallen  on  the 
back,"  exclaimed  Theodulf,  with  flaming  coun- 
tenance. 

"But  I  call  the  malicious  tongue  inglorious, 
which  taunts  the  friendly  guest  in  the  hall. 
Methinks  such  speech  is  not  honourable;  false 
Roman  customs  do  not  become  the  Thuringian." 

"  Dost  thou  know  so  well  the  customs  of  the 
Romans  ? "  called  out  from  another  table  a  wild 
warrior  of  Theodulf 's  kinsfolk ;  "  then  thou  must 
also  have  felt  their  strokes." 

"I   have   stood   in   fight  against  the  Roman 


INGO.  55 

warriors,"  cried  out  Ingo,  forgetting  himself. 
"Ask  in  their  camp  after  thy  kinsman;  not 
every  one  can  give  thee  an  answer  who  has  been 
near  my  sword." 

Loud  cries  filled  the  hall  when  the  stranger 
betrayed  that  he  had  stood  against  the  Romans. 
"  Thou  hast  spoken  well,  stranger,"  was  exclaimed 
on  all  sides ;  but  again,  from  another  table,  "  The 
stranger  boasts  wrongly  of  an  evil  deed;  hurrah, 
hurrah,  Theodulf!" 

The  Prince  rose  and  called  out  with  a  powerful 
voice,  "  I  bid  the  war- words  cease ;  I  admonish 
all  to  peace  in  the  festive  hall."  Then  the  loud 
cries  ceased,  but  the  strife  of  opinions  continued 
noisily  about  all  the  tables ;  eyes  flamed,  and 
strong  hands  were  raised.  During  the  confusion  a 
youth  from  the  retinue .  of  the  Chieftain  sprang 
up  the  steps,  and  cried  out  in  the  hall,  "  Volkmar 
the  minstrel  rides  into  the  courtyard ! " 

"  He  is  welcome,"  exclaimed  the  Prince.  And 
turning  to  the  seat  of  the  ladies,  he  continued, 
"Irmgard,  my  child,  greet  thy  teacher,  and 
guide  him  to  our  table."  Thus  ordered  the 
prudent  Host,  to  remind  the  wranglers  of  the 
presence  of  the  ladies.  His  words  acted  like 
magic  on  the  boisterous  crowd ;  gloomy  counte- 
nances became  bright,  and  many  a  one  seized  the 


:>i>  INGO. 

inu;;,  ami  took  a  ilrrp  drink,  in  order  to  put  an 
end  to  his  thoughts,  and  prepare  himself  for  the 
song  of  the  minstrel.  But  Irmgard  stepped  out 
of  the  arbour,  and  walked  through  the  rows 
of  men  to  the  threshold.  On  the  steps  of  the 
hall  stood  crowded  together  the  young  men  of 
the  village,  staring  inquisitively  into  the  hall. 
Irmgard  j>assed  through  the  crowd,  and  awaited 
the  minstrel  in  the  courtyard,  who  was  preparing 
himself  for  the  feast,  under  the  verandah.  He 
came  up  to  her  with  a  respectful  greeting :  he  was 
a  man  of  moderate  height  and  bright  eyes ;  his 
curly  golden  hair  was  streaked  with  grey ;  he 
wore  gracefully  his  overcoat  of  coloured  cloth ; 
his  naked  arms  were  adorned  with  gold  circlets ; 
he  had  a  chain  around  his  neck,  and  a  stringed 
instrument  in  his  hand. 

"  Thou  comest  at  a  good  time,  Volkmar,"  the 
noble  maiden  exclaimed  to  him.  "  They  are  at 
strife  with  each  other ;  it  is  necessary  that  thy 
song  should  raise  their  hearts.  Make  use  to-day 
of  thy  skill,  and  if  thou  canst,  sing  them  some- 
thing joyful." 

"  What  has  disturbed  their  spirits  ? "  asked 
the  minstrel,  who  was  accustomed  to  employ  his 
art  like  a  clever  doctor.  "  Is  it  against  the 
wild  household  of  King  Bisino  that  they  aru 


INGO.  57 

angry  ?  or  do  they  dispute  over  the  Roman 
invasion  ? " 

"The  young  men  do  not  keep  the  peace," 
answered  the  Prince's  daughter. 

"  Is  it  nothing  more  ?  "  enquired  the  minstrel, 
indifferently.  "  It  would  be  useless  trouble  to 
try  to  hinder  their  passages  at  arms  on  the  green- 
sward." But  when  he  perceived  the  serious  coun- 
tenance of  the  noble  maiden,  he  added,  "  If  they 
are  the  madcaps  of  the  house,  lady,  I  fear  that 
my  song  will  not  do  away  with  their  jealousy. 
If  I  could  put  thy  friendly  smile  into  my  song, 
and  whisper  it  in  the  ear  to  each  one,  they  would 
ail  follow  me  like  lambs.  Yet  what  I  bring  to- 
day," he  added,  changing  his  tone,  "is  so  terrible 
that  they  will  certainly  forget  their  quarrel  in 
listening  to  it.  It  is  a  bad  addition  to  a  festive 
meal ;  yet  I  must  go  in  and  tell  them  the  tale.  I 
do  not  know  whether  they  will  then  still  desire 
a  song." 

"Wilt  thou  tell  them  the  sorrowful  news  at 
the  repast  ? "  asked  the  noble  maiden,  anxiously ; 
"  that  will  make  their  spirits  heavy,  and  rouse 
them  to  anger." 

"  Surely  thou  knowest  me,"  replied  the  min- 
strel; "  I  shall  give  them  only  as  much  as  they 
can  bear.  Who  has  the  Prince  invited  to  the  hall  ?" 


58  INGO. 

"  They  are  our  old  country  friends." 

"  Are  there  strangers  among  them  ?  " 

"  No  one,"  answered  the  noble  maiden,  hesita- 
tingly, "  save  a  poor  wanderer." 

"Then  be  without  anxiety,"  concluded  the 
minstrel;  "  I  know  the  disposition  of  our  people, 
ami  how  one  must  mix  their  evening  drink  for 
th.-m." 

Whilst  the  noble  maiden  went  through  a  side- 
door  to  the  arbour,  the  minstrel  entered  the  hall. 
As  he  stood  on  the  threshold  a  hurrah  and  greeting 
echoed  again  loud  from  the  roof. 

\Yith  pride  Volkmar  perceived  that  he  was  a 
favourite ;  he  passed  with  agile  step  into  the 
OJMII  space  before  the  table  of  the  Chieftain,  and 
<1  low  to  him  and  to  the  Princess. 

"  A  thousand  times  welcome  to  thee,  thou  be- 
lovi-il  of  tin-  people!"  the  Prince  called  out  to 
him;  "  the  birds  of  our  district  which  departed  in 
tin.-  winter  have  long  been  singing  their  summer 
only  for  the  singer  of  the  Heroes  have  we 
looked  in  vain." 

"  I  have  not  heard  the  birds  in  the  air  an- 
nouncing the  summer.  I  have  only  heard  the 
vav-hounds  of  the  Gods  howling  in  the  wind,  and 
looked  at  the  coloured  cloud-bridges  on  which 
the  Heroes  in  endless  hosts  have  been  carried  up 


INGO.  50 

to  the  Halls  of  the  Gods.  I  saw  the  Rhine  flowing 
in  red  waves,  covered  with  the  bodies  of  men 
and  horses.  I  beheld  the  battle-field,  and  the 
bloody  valley  where  heaps  of  the  slain  lay  as 
food  for  the  ravens,  and  I  know  that  Kings  with 
fettered  limbs  are  awaiting  execution  in  the 
Roman  camp." 

A  loud  outcry  followed  these  words.  "Give  us 
an  account,  Volkmar  ;  we  listen,"  said  the  Prince. 

The  minstrel  passed  his  fingers  over  the  strings; 
there  was  such  a  stillness  in  the  room  that  one 
might  have  heard  the  deep  breathing  of  the 
guests.  Then  he  touched  the  strings,  and  began, 
first  relating,  then  singing  with  raised  voice  and 
melodious  cadence,  his  account  of  the  battle  be- 
tween the  Alemanni  and  the  Romans.  He  gave 
the  name  of  the  Kings  and  the  Kings'  children 
who  had  gone  with  the  Alemanni  over  the  Rhine 
against  Qesar,  and  had  in  the  first  instance  put 
the  horsemen  of  Rome  to  flight,  as  well  as  the 
first  rank  in  the  battle.  After  that  he  sang, 
"Behind  the  second  rank  of  the  Roman  host 
Caesar  rode,  giving  orders  from  his  horse;  over 
him  floated  as  a  banner  the  picture  of  a  dragon 
— the  gigantic  reptile  with  spiral  body,  the  holy 
battle-sign  of  the  Romans;  the  reptile  was  red  and 
purple,  and  out  of  its  wide-spread  jaw  proceeded 


INGO. 

Ml  of  tlaine.  And  CVsar  called  the  Bava- 
rians and  Franks  to  the  front. 

" '  Forward,  you  German  heroes  !  my  Romans 
cannot  stand  the  assault  of  the  enemy.'  The 
Herald  rode  forward,  and  the  Franks,  shining 
brightly,  raised  themselves  from  the  ground,  and 
arranged  their  troops.  Aimo,  son  of  ArnlVu  1, 
swung  his  sword  powerfully  in  frontof  the  battlr." 

"  That  is  my  brother ! "  called  out  one  from 
one  of  the  tables.  "Health  to  Aimo!"  w.-is 
rulk-d  out  from  another  corner  of  the  hall. 

"  They  marched  on  in  straight  line,  their  white 
sli iclds  adorned  with  the  picture  of  the  bull. 
Severe  was  the  pressure ;  as  flames  of  fire  along 
the  heath,  so  did  their  swords  clear  the  battle- 
field from  the  assault  of  the  Alemanni.  Once  again 
with  flush  vigour  sprang  forward  the  Alemanui, 
th«-  King's  foremost,  and  again  the  Romans  gave 
way.  Then  Caesar  ordered  up  his  last  troops, 
which  in  the  Roman  army  are  called  by  the 
generals  the  '  Thorn-fence.' " 

"  Archibald ! "  was  called  out  wildly  in  the 
hah* ;  "  Eggo  I "  from  another  side. 

"  There  stood  as  leader  over  a  hundred  men  a 

llunic  comrade,  the  Thuringian  Archibald,  and 

,  hi.s  mother's  son,  much  experienced  in  the 

Roman  customs  of  war.     They  fixed  their  knees 


INGO.  61 

firmly  on  the  ground,  they  covered  their  bodies 
with  linden  shield,  and  defended  themselves  with 
fixed  spears  as  a  threefold  buckler.  Again  the 
Alemanni  dashed  on;  the  shields  cracked  under 
the  strokes  of  the  axe,  the  spears  passed  through 
armour  and  body,  the  dead  sank  in  long  rows, 
and  over  the  bodies  of  the  fallen  pressed  the 
throng,  shield  against  shield,  and  breast  against 
breast,  like  a  fight  of  bulls  in  an  enclosed  pen. 
Then  the  fortune  of  war  departed  from  the 
Alemaimi ;  they  were  driven  backwards,  they 
were  dismayed  at  the  heaps  of  dying  comru<lt  s. 
The  sun  sank,  and  the  chances  of  the  war  were 
gone.  The  scattered  bands  fled  to  the  shore  of 
the  stream,  and  behind  them  stormed  the  Romans 
with  knife  and  spear,  like  a  pack  of  hounds  after 
the  deer;  the  flying  people  sprang  into  the 
Rhine,  the  conquerors  on  the  bank  threw  their 
spears  with  loud  cries  into  a  wild  crowd  of  men 
and  horses,  of  dead  bodies  and  drowning  heroes  ; 
the  Nixy  of  the  stream  stretched  his  clawing 
hands  around,  and  drew  the  heroes  into  the 
depths,  down  to  his  own  abode." 

The  minstrel  stopped.  A  loud  groan  passed 
through  the  assembly — only  a  single  hurrah 
sounded  in  the  midst  of  it ;  the  Prince  listened 
attentively  to  the  outbreak  of  sorrow  and  of  joy. 


(!2  INGO. 

Then  Volkmar  continued,  changing  tho  tones  of 
sorrow  to  a  more  stirring  melody :  "  Ceesar 
a|»pmarhi-il  the  bank  of  the  river,  and  looked 
smiling  down  on  the  men  in  their  distress.  Ho 
called  out  to  his  banner-bearer,  who  carried  the 
dragon,  the  red  monster  worked  in  purple,  in 
which  the  God  of  the  Romans  had  placed  a  vic- 
tory spell— the  death  of  the  enemy,  'Let  the 
dragon  float  over  the  stream,  that  he  may  show 
his  teeth  arid  flaming  tongue  to  the  dying  people. 
High  in  the  air  he  flies  towards  the  heavenly  halls 
of  the  dead ;  when  they  rise  on  the  cloud-bri <!_;•••, 
he  will  show  his  teeth;  the  Roman  dragon 
will  stop  their  journey,  they  will  descend  the 
road  to  the  6shes,  down  in  the  darkness  to  Hela's 
gate.'  Then  was  the  insult  revenged  by  the  last 
hero  who  withstood  the  Romans  in  arms — In^o, 

"•     » 

the  son  of  Ingbert,  from  the  land  of  the  Vandals, 
the  King's  son,  of  the  race  of  the  Gods.  He  had 
fought  by  the  side  of  King  Athanarich,  forem-i.-t 
in  the  fight,  terror  of  the  Romans.  When  the 
fortune  of  battle  turned,  he  retreatod  witli  his 
re'tinue,  that  had  followed  him  on  the  war-path 
from  country  to  country;  slowly  and  an^iilv, 
like  a  growling  Lear,  he  retreated  to  the  bank, 
win-re  at  the  foot  of  the  rocks  the  boats  lay. 
There  he  collected  together  the  women  of  tho 


INGO.  63 

army,  the  fortune-tellers,  and  the  blood-seers,  and 
compelled  them  to  depart,  that  the  holy  mothers 
might  escape  the  swords  of  the  Romans.  The 
minstrel  also  he  forced  into  the  boat,  and  lie 
himself,  noble-hearted  spirit,  made  a  rampart 
with  his  body  and  weapons  in  front  of  the  place 
of  departure.  The  rope  was  loosened,  the  boats 
floated  on  the  green  flood  'midst  the  whizzing  of 
Roman  spears ;  the  enemy  prassed  on,  and  pain- 
fully did  the  little  band  at  the  foot  of  the  rock 
light  the  last  light.  Then  the  Hero  beheld  on  the 
stone  above  his  head  the  dragon  of  Caesar,  the 
grim  reptile,  and  wi'th  a  bound  he  broke  through 
the  Roman  guard ;  he  leapt  upon  the  stone,  with 
bear-like  grip  he  laid  hold  of  the  giant  who 
bore  the  banner,  and  threw  him  from  the  rock. 
Lifeless  the  Roman  sank  in  the  flood ;  then  lifting 
the  banner,  and  shouting  the  battle-cry,  the  Hero 
sprang  with  the  dragon  down  into  the  stream. 
A  cry  of  rage  yelled  from  the  throats  of  the 
Romans :  to  revenge  the  bitter  shame  before  the 
eyes  of  Caesar,  to  slay  the  daring  one,  to  save  the 
holy  token  of  Rome,  men  and  horses  threw  them- 
selves madly  into  the  stream  ;  but  the  victorious 
Hero  dragged  the  red  dragon  down  into  the 
whirling  stream.  Yet  once  more  I  saw  him 
raise  his  arm  and  shake  the  banner ;  then  I  never 


64  n?oo. 

saw  him  more.  Caesar,  with  troubled  mind, 
caused  search  to  be  made  along  the  banks  of  the 
stream  on  both  sides.  Two  days  after,  a  spy  on 
the  Alemann  bank  found  far  down  the  broken 
banner-spear;  the  enemy's  dragon  no  one  brought 
back.  Then  did  the  men  return  to  the  banks  of 
the  Rhine  with  resentment  in  their  souls.  The 
victory  spell  of  Caesar  was  lost  in  the  stream, 
and  retribution  threatened  the  Roman  army. 
Envoys  who  came  up  from  the  Kattens  in  order 
to  offer  an  alliance  with  the  Roman  people, 
stopped  on  their  journey  when  they  learnt  the 
bad  omen.  The  insult  of  the  conqueror  was  re- 
venged by  a  strong  arm,  and  King  Ingo,  the  hero, 
had  vanished  from  man's  earth." 

The  minstrel  ceased,  and  bent  his  head  over 
his  instrument.  All  was  still  in  the  hall  as  after 
a  death  dirge;  the  men's  eyes  glistened,  and  emo- 
tion worked  in  every  countenance ;  but  in  none 
more  than  in  the  stranger's.  When  the  minstrel 
had  entered,  and  in  passing  by  him  had  touched 
his  dress,  he  had  bent  his  head  down,  and,  as  his 
neighbour  Wolf  had  observed  with  displeasure, 
had  taken  less  interest  in  the  account  of  the 
minstrel  than  was  fitting  for  a  warrior,  and  the 
bench  comrades  had  pointed  to  him,  and  ex- 
changed jeering  words.  But  when  the  minstrel 


INGO.  6-3 

began  about  the  fight  for  the  dragon,  he  raised 
his  face,  a  rosy  light  flitted  over  his  features,  and 
so  beaming  and  glorified  was  the  look  that  he 
cast  upon  the  anger,  that  those  who  saw  him 
could  not  torn  their  eyes  away ;  the  bright  curly 
hair  formed  a  kind  of  halo  round  the  inspired 
face;  and  when  the  minstrel  became  silent,  he 
sat  motionless. 

"Look  there,  Yolkmar'9  called  out  a  deep 
woman's  voice,  trembling  with  emotion ;  and  all 
eves  followed  the  direction  to  which  IrmganTs 
hand  pointed,  who  was  standing  erect  in  the 
arbour. 

The  minstrel  rose,  and  gazed  at  the  stranger. 
'The  Spirit  of  the  stream  has  given  the  Hero 
back!"  he  exclaimed  with  terror,  yet  immediately 
after  he  sprang  forward.  "Blessed  is  the  day  on 
which  I  behold  thee,  Hero  Ingo,  Ingbert  s  son, 
thou  my  preserver,  the  last  fighter  in  the  battle 
of  the  Alemanni  I " 

The  guests  rose  from  their  seats,  the  hall 
resounded  with  cries  of  jubilee.  The  minstrel 
rushed  up  to  Ingo,  bent  over  his  hand,  and  ex- 
claimed, "  I  hold  thee  bodily.  Never  did  my  song 
receive  so  delightful  a  reward."  Then  he  led  the 
stranger  to  the  table  of  the  Prince,  who  with 
eyes  hastened  up  to  him. 


l>6  INGO. 

"  Blessed  be  thou,  heroic  man ;  to-day  a  heavy 
burden  falls  from  my  heart;  I  knew  well  that 
the  fame  of  the  hero  could  not  be  concealed.  Be 
welcome  to  my  house,  thou  friend  from  the  time 
of  thy  father ;  remove  the  chair,  boys,  that  the 
Prince  may  join  the  nobles  of  my  people.  Cup- 
bearer, bring  the  wine  hither;  in  feast  goblets, 
with  Roman  drink  bought  with  Roman  gold,  we 
would  drink  the  health  of  the  kindly  Hero,  soa 
of  our  Goda," 


INGO.  C7 


III. 
OPEN  HEARTS. 

IN  the  early  morning  Irmgard  walked  through 
the  dewy  grass  to  the  forest ;  a  white  mist  floated 
over  the  ground,  and  hung  round  the  trees  like 
the  dress  of  the  water  spirits.  Out  of  the  mist  of 
the  meadows  rose  the  bright  figure  of  the  noble 
maiden ;  she  was  singing  and  shouting,  with  rosy 
cheeks  and  long  floating  hair,  and  with  a  happy 
heart;  thus  she  passed  through  the  circling 
clouds  like  the  goddess  of  the  fields.  For  she 
had  heard  and  beheld  the  heroic,  and  what  raises 
man  from  the  fear  of  death  into  the  society  of 
the  high  Gods;  all  her  countrymen  had  bowed 
themselves  before  the  heroic  power  of  one  who 
was  secretly  pleasing  to  her,  and  in  whom  she 
had  more  confidence  than  in  any  other.  She 
mounted  the  hill-path,  up  to  a  spot  where  her 
father's  hall  was  hidden  behind  the  foliage  of 
the  trees;  there  she  stood  alone  between  the 


08  INGO. 

forest  and  the  rock ;  under  her  roared  the  water, 
fall,  over  her  soared  the  light  clouds  of  the 
coming  day.  She  stepped  upon  a  stone,  and 
sang  to  the  rocks  and  to  the  rushing  water  the 
melody  of  the  minstrel,  and  the  words  of  the 
song  which  she  had  heard  in  the  hall.  She  gave 
forth  joyfully  what  had  clung  to  her  memory 
from  the  skill  of  Volkmar ;  and  when  she  came 
to  the  leap  into  the  Rhine,  it  delighted  her  so 
much  that  she  sang  with  enthusiasm — 

"  Ye  wise  birds  on  the  trees,  messengers  of  the 
Gods,  and  ye  little  fitchets  under  the  fern  bushes, 
hear  it  yet  again."  And  she  repeated  the  words ; 
and  as  the  Hero  at  last  vanished  into  the 
stream,  his  disappearance  was  so  sorrowful  to 
her,  that,  being  full  of  imagination,  she  poured 
out  her  emotions  in  words  of  her  own,  and  sang 
yet  again  the  lament  of  the  minstrel.  Her  song 
echoed  from  the  rocks,  above  the  notes  of  the 
forest  birds  and  the  soft  murmur  of  the  moun- 
tain stream. 

Then  near  her  a  pebble  rolled  into  the  brook. 
She  looked  to  the  side  from  whence  it  came,  and 
perceived  a  figure  which,  veiled  in  the  airy  web 
of  the  Nixy,  leant  against  the  stem  of  a  tree 
beneath  her ;  the  Hero  whose  honour  she  had 
been  proclaiming  to  the  woods  was  standing 


INGO.  69 

bodily  close  to  her,  and  as  she  stopped  back 
frightened,  she  heard  his  supplicating  voice. 

"  Sing  on,  O  noble  maiden,  that  I  may  hear 
from  thy  lips  what  makes  me  happy.  Dearer  to 
me  are  the  tones  from  thy  throat  than  all  the 
skill  of  Volkmar.  For  as  the  minstrel  sang,  and 
the  hall  resounded  with  the  acclamations  of  the 
men,  I  thought  ever  on  thee,  and  my  proudest 
pleasure  was,  that  thou  heardest  the  news." 

"In  terror  at  sight  of  thee,  words  fail  me," 
answered  Irmgard,  endeavouring  to  compose 
herself  as  he  drew  nearer  to  her.  "  I  had  more 
courage  to  speak  to  thee  under  the  elder  tree," 
she  continued  at  last ;  "  even  then,  O  Hero,  thou 
hadst  little  need  of  my  counsel;  and  when  I 
think  of  it,  I  cannot  but  wonder  at  my  folly  :  do 
not  thou,  therefore,  deride  me.  For  just  in  that 
way  we  forest  people  speak  out,  and  our  thoughts 
are  very  simple.  But  it  grieves  me  that  thou 
shouldst  twice  have  heard  from  my  mouth  what 
thou  already  knewest ;  had  I  known  thee  as 
thou  art,  I  should  have  known  better  how  to 
conceal  my  good  opinion ;  and  now  shame  op- 
presses me,  because  thou  hast  listened  to  me." 

"Conceal  nothing  from  me,  Irmgard,"  implored 
the  guest ;  "  if  thou  art  favourably  disposed  to- 
wards me,  then,  believe  me,  seldom  has  a  banished 


70  INGO. 

man  heard  such  hearty  words  from  the  lips  of  a 
kind  woman.  Even  when  the  minstrel  prui.M  .1 
him,  and  the  Host  drank  to  him,  still  he  stood 
shut  out  from  family  and  friendship.  Seldom 
does  a  chief  grant  to  an  outcast  his  daughter  as 
wife,  and  the  fugitive  leaves  no  son  on  the 
earth  to  extol  his  deeds." 

Irmgard  looked  down  seriously.  "But  do  thou," 
continued  Ingo,  "  suffer  me  to  acknowledge  the 
secret  that  I  bear  in  my  soul  Do  not  despi-c 
my  confidence ;  sit  here  on  the  stone,  that  I  may 
impart  it  to  thee." 

Irmgard  seated  herself  obediently;  the  man 
stood  before  her,  and  began.  "  Hear  from  me  what 
happened  after  the  battle  of  the  Alemanni.  The 
stars  were  shining;  I  lay  deadly  weary  on  the 
gravelly  bank  of  the  stream,  the  red  banner  of  the 
Romans  wound  round  my  feeble  arm.  The  night 
wind  groaned  the  death  lament,  the  waves  roared, 
my  body  was  cold,  and  my  brain  dizzy.  Then  a 
sorrowful  face  bent  over  me ;  it  was  the  fortune- 
teller of  the  Alemanni,  a  wise  woman,  the  confidant 
of  the  Gods.  '  I  seek  thee,  Ingo,  among  the  bodies 
of  men,  that  I  may  preserve  thy  life,  as  thou  hast 
done  mine.'  She  conveyed  me  away  from  the 
bank,  spread  a  warm  covering  over  my  limbs, 
and  offered  me  a  strengthening  drink ;  after  that 


INGO.  71 

she  tore  the  long  spear  from  the  foreign  banner, 
and  with  prayers  threw  the  broken  stick  back 
into  the  stream.  She  concealed  the  weary  man  in 
the  thicket  of  the  forest,  and  sat  by  his  bed  like  a 
mother  night  and  day.  On  my  departure  she  seized 
the  purple  token,  and  said,  '  Here  I  show  thee  the 
threads  which  govern  thy  fate ;  the  Gods  leave  the 
choice  to  the  Hero.  If  thou  throw  from  thee 
the  spell  spun  by  the  Romans,  thou  mayest  grow 
old  in  peaceful  quiet,  concealed  among  the  people, 
patient  in  life,  and  free  from  fate.  Yet  if  thou 
keep  the  purple  figure  with  malicious  eyes  and 
fiery  tongue,  then,  though  the  minstrel  may  sing 
thy  praise  among  the  warriors,  and  thy  memory 
may  live  long  among  others,  I  fear  that  the 
dragon  will  consume  thy  fortune  and  body. 
Choose  now,  Ingo ;  for  the  Gods  grant  to  man  his 
fate  according  to  his  own  thoughts,  and  from  his 
own  deeds  his  lot  falls — the  heavy  and  the  light; 
as  he  throws,  so  will  be  his  fate.'  Then  I  said, 
'  Long  ago,  dear  mother,  have  the  Gods  and  the 
deeds  of  my  ancestors  cast  for  me  my  earthly  lot. 
From  the  Gods  I  came  upon  man's  earth ;  inglori- 
ous repose  on  soft  furs  I  may  not  choose ;  thou 
knowest  it  thyself:  to  tread  with  my  comrades  in 
front  of  the  battle,  to  lead  up  the  men  of  the  earth 
to  the  cloud-hall  of  Heroes, — that  is  my  duty.  If  I 


72  INGO. 

am  a  stranger  among  foreign  races,  yet  I  fear  not 
the  directing  finger  of  the  Fates ;  with  a  firm  heart 
will  I  tread  among  the  Heroes,  I  will  joyfully  trust 
to  my  man's  courage.  If  the  dragon  bring  me 
hatred,  renown  will  procure  me  friends ;  never  will 
I  conceal  my  head  from  the  light  of  the  sun.' 
Then  the  mother  took  the  purple  in  her  hand ;  she 
divided  the  heads  of  the  dragon  from  the  spiral 
body ;  the  heads  she  kept,  the  body  she  threw  into 
the  flames  of  the  hearth.  '  Perhaps  I  may  thus 
redeem  thy  days  from  the  threatening  evil,'  she 
said,  standing  by  the  hearth.  The  flames  rose 
up  high  ;  discoloured  exhalations  filled  the  room. 
She  rushed  out,  and  dragged  me  into  the  open  air. 
Then  she  bound  the  heads  with  flexible  willow, 
tied  the  knots,  whispered  a  song,  and  offered  me 
the  bundle  in  a  leathern  pocket,  that  I  might 
keep  it  secret  from  every  one.  '  It  will  protect 
from  water,  but  not  from  fire ;  thy  life  I  commend 
to  the  keeping  of  the  Gods.'  Then  she  directed 
me  northwards,  with  a  blessing  on  my  journey. 

"  This,  noble  lady,  is  the  secret  of  my  life, 
which  I  tell  you  willingly.  What  the  Gods  may 
ordain  for  me,  I  know  not,  but  I  have  confided 
to  thee  what  none  other  knows.  For  since  I 
came  into  this  land,  and  have  beheld  thee,  my 
mind  is  altered,  and  it  appears  to  me  better  to 


INGO.  73 

sit  near  thee,  or  to  ride  on  horseback  over  tho 
plain,  than  to  go  with  the  vulture  to  the  tumult 
of  battle.  My  thoughts  are  much  changed,  and 
my  spirit  is  greatly  depressed,  because  I  am  an 
unsettled  man,  who  formerly  cared  little  for  my 
fate,  and  trusted  in  my  arm  and  in  a  propitious 
God,  who  might,  perhaps,  some  day  recall  the 
banished  man  to  his  old  home.  But  now  I  see 
that  I  am  driven  about  like  this  pine  branch,  with 
its  clod  in  the  running  stream." 

He  pointed  to  a  young  pine  tree,  which  was 
torn  away  with  its  moss  and  earth  from  the  place 
where  it  stood  by  the  mountain  stream,  and  was 
driven  erect  through  the  whirling  water.  "  The 
clod  will  become  smaller,"  said  Ingo,  seriously; 
"  the  earth  breaks  away,  and  at  last  it  disappears 
among  the  stones."  Irmgard  rose,  and  followed 
with  eager  look  the  path  of  the  wild  plant;  it 
went  down  the  valley,  twisted  itself  in  the  eddy, 
and  hastened  forwards,  till  what  with  mist  and 
flood  it  became  almost  invisible. 

"  It  stops,"  she  exclaimed  at  last,  joyfully,  and 
sprang  down  to  the  brook,  to  the  place  where  the 
tree  had  riveted  itself  into  a  projecting  tongue 
of  land.  "  See  here  !"  she  called  out  to  her  com- 
panion; "here  it  bears  leaves,  on  our  bank;  it  is 
veiy  possible  that  it  may  grow  firmly  on  our  land." 


74  INGO. 

"  But  do  thou,"  cried  Ingo,  transported,  "  tell 
me  whether  that  would  be  pleasant  to  thee." 
Irm^ard  remained  silent. 

O 

Then  the  sun  broke  out  above  the  wall  of 
clouds;  its  rays  illuminated  the  noble  figure  of 
the  maiden ;  her  hair  shone  like  gold  around  her 
head  and  shoulders,  as  she,  with  downcast  eyes 
and  blushing  cheeks,  stood  before  the  man.  His 
heart  bounded  with  joy  and  love  ;  he  approached 
her  respectfully ;  she  remained  as  if  spell-bound, 
but  moved  her  hand  gently,  as  if  to  ward  him 
off,  and  murmured  beseechingly,  "  The  dear 
sun  looks  down  on  us."  But  he  kissed  her 
heartily,  and  called  out  to  the  laughing  sun — 

"A  greeting  to  thee,  bright  lord  of  the  day  !  Be 
gracious  to  us,  and  guard  confidentially  what 
thou  beholdest." 

He  kissed  her  again,  and  felt  her  warm  lips 
against  his;  but  when  he  wished  to  embrace 
her,  Irmgard  removed  his  arm.  She  looked  at  him 
with  deep  love,  but  her  cheeks  were  pale,  and 
she  dismissed  him  with  a  movement  of  her  hand 
towards  the  mountains.  He  obeyed,  and  sprang 
from  her,  and  as  he  turned  to  look  back  at  her, 
he  saw  her,  enveloped  in  light,  throw  herself 
down  upon  her  knees  before  the  tree,  and  hold 
up  her  arms  imploringly  to  the  shining  heaven. 


INGO.  75 

On  the  same  morning  the  nobles  and  wise  men, 
the  leaders  of  the  community,  and  trusty  warriors, 
assembled  in  the  house  of  Prince  Answald,  and 
sat  down  on  the  seats  which  were  arranged  for 
them  on  both  sides  of  the  hearth.  The  Host  took 
his  seat  in  the  middle,  and  behind  his  chair  stood 
Theodulf.  The  Herald  closed  the  door,  and  the 
Prince  spoke  to  the  assembly. 

"Ingo,  the  son  of  King  Ingbert,  has  come  to 
my  house,  bound  to  me  by  ties  of  friendly  hos- 
pitality from  the  time  of  his  father.  To-day  I 
desire  for  him  the  right  of  guest  of  the  people, 
that  he  may  be  safe  from  enemies,  either  foreign 
or  among  our  people,  not  only  in  my  house,  but 
also  in  your  land ;  that  he  may  find  justice  against 
evil-doers,  and  protection  by  the  weapons  of  the 
neighbours  from  every  one  that  would  injure  his 
honour  or  life.  As  a  supplicant  I  stand  before 
you  for  the  worthy  man ;  with  you  it  rests  to 
grant  or  refuse." 

After  these  words  a  deep  silence  ensued.  At 
last  Isanbart  rose :  his  snow-white  hair  huncr 

*  O 

about  his  scarred  face,  his  tall  figure  supported 
itself  on  a  staff,  but  the  voice  of  the  old  man 
sounded  powerfully,  and  the  men  listened  to  him 
respectfully. 

"  It  becomes  thee,  Prince,  to  speak  as  thou  hast 


76  INGO. 

done.  We  are  accustomed  to  thy  gifts  to  the 
j » -.  > j  «le ;  and  when  thou  beggest  something  of  them, 
our  hearts  are  ready  to  grant  it.  Renowned  is 
the  man  ;  and  that  it  is  himself,  and  not  a  lying 
traveller,  we  have  the  warrant  of  the  minstrel's 
song,  the  hospitable  token  that  he  has  exchanged 
with  his  Host,  and  above  all  else,  the  dignity  of 
his  countenance  and  figure.  But  we  are  placed 
as  guardians  over  the  welfare  of  many,  and  the 
anxious  times  admonish  us  to  be  cautious; 
therefore  it  becomes  us  to  take  earnest  counsel, 
and  to  balance  the  opinions  of  the  heroes  of 
the  people,  which  are  somewhat  discordantly 
divided." 

He  seated  himself,  and  the  neighbours  nodded 
to  him  respectfully.  But  Rothari  rose  up  im- 
petuously— a  nobleman  of  the  old  princely  race, 
a  stout  man  with  red  face  and  red  hair,  a  re- 
nowned drinker,  valiant  also  in  the  men's  war 
exercises,  and  brisk  in  the  dance  ;  the  boys  called 
him,  in  banter,  "King  Puff-cheek." 

"  Counsel  in  the  morning  should  be  like  an 
early  draught,  short  and  strong.  Methinks  that 
there  is  DO  need  for  long  consideration  here  ;  we 
have  all  lately  drank  his  health,  we  will  not  to- 
day pour  water  into  his  cup  ;  he  is  a  hero  who 
has  two  good  warranties — the  song  of  the  minstrel, 


INGO.  77 

and  our  good  pleasure  ;  that  is  enough  for  me ;  I 
give  him  my  voice  for  the  rights  of  a  guest." 

The  old  men  smiled  at  the  zeal  of  the  loyal 
man,  and  the  younger  ones  expressed  loudly 
their  approbation.  Then  stood  up  Sintram, 
uncle  to  Theodulf,  a  man  without  eyebrows,  with 
pale  eyes  and  thin  face,  a  hard  Host,  and  dan- 
gerous to  his  enemies,  yet  clever  in  counsel,  and 
in  great  consideration  at  the  court  of  the  King. 

"  Thou,  O  Prince,  art  favourably  disposed  to- 
wards him,  and  he  himself  deserves  it,  so  thou 
sayest ;  this  gives  a  tendency  to  my  wishes,  and 
I  would  willingly  greet  him  as  a  guest,  as  we  at 
times  do  to  foreign  wanderers  whose  praise  has 
not  been  proclaimed  by  the  voice  of  the  minstrel ; 
yet  a  doubt  restrains  the  wishes  of  my  heart, 
and  I  ask,  does  he  come  as  our  friend  from  a 
foreign  land  ?  All  the  young  warriors  of  our 
province  do  not  stay  by  their  hearths  at  home. 
I  think  also  of  those  who  go  abroad  after  fame 
and  fortune.  Which  of  our  race  has  fought  with 
the  Alemanni  ?  I  know  of  none.  But  in  the 
army  of  the  Romans  there  are  bold  swordsmen 
of  our  kindred;  if  these  are  enemies  of  the  stranger, 
hoW  can  we  call  ourselves  his  friends  ?  Have 
they  fallen  in  fight? — then  the  death-lament 
bounds  in  our  villages.  Who  has  caused  their  fall  ? 


78  INGO. 

Perhaps  this  man,  so  bold  in  battle,  who  himself 
boasted  of  it  at  the  feast.  How  can  we  offer  the 
rights  of  hospitality  to  an  enemy,  who  as  an 
enemy  has  spilt  our  blood  ?  I  know  not  whether 
he  did  it ;  but  if  he  did  not,  it  was  an  accident : 
it  was  his  object,  as  he  was  fighting  for  King 
Athanarich.  I  hear  it  reported  in  the  Roman 
army  that  Caesar  has  to  thank  our  fellow-country- 
men, who  speak  our  language,  alone  for  his  vic- 
tory ;  like  giants  stood  the  red-cheeked  sons  of 
our  land  above  the  black-eyed  foreigners.  Caesar 
rewards  them  with  armlets  and  honours  and  the 
highest  offices.  Ask  concerning  a  powerful  war- 
rior and  proud  army  in  Rome :  the  Roman  traders 
will  answer,  with  an  envious  look,  tjiey  are  of 
German  blood.  Where  shall  our  youths  find  war- 
honours  and  the  favours  of  the  Gods,  if  their 
weapons  rust  peacefully  in  the  land?  Where 
should  the  strength  of  our  province  go,  enabling 
their  brothers  at  home  to  enjoy  the  inheritance, 
if  Caesar  did  not  open  his  treasure-house  to  wan- 
derers ?  Therefore,  I  say,  his  kingdom  is  useful 
to  us,  and  whoever  fights  against  him  is  opposed 
to  our  advantage ;  look  to  it  that  the  stranger 
does  not  bar  the  path  which  leads  our  high- 
minded  heroes  to  gold  treasure  and  honour." 
The  men  sat  with  gloomy  looks;  it  was  a  sorrow 


INGO.  79 

to  them  that  he  spoke  the  truth.  But  Bero,  the 
father  of  Frida,  broke  the  silence — a  raw-boned 
peasant,  who  knitted  his  bushy  eyebrows  with 
displeasure.  "  Thou  sentest  thy  brother  into  the 
Roman  army" — he  spoke  with  a  rough  voice,  and 
slowly — "  thou  sittest  comfortably  on  his  inherit- 
ance ;  I  am  not  surprised  that  thou  praisest  the 
foreign  brood.  But  the  peasant  does  not  delight 
in  the  insolent  fellows  who  return  home  from 
their  war-travels  out  of  the  Roman  land,  for  they 
become  bad  companions,  despisers  of  our  customs, 
boasters,  and  loiterers.  Therefore  I  say  that 
Roman  travels  are  a  misfortune  to  our  people. 
If  our  young  warriors  serve  in  the  camp  of 
foreign  Generals,  they  do  it  at  their  own  risk;  the 
people  have  not  chosen  nor  dedicated  them  to  it. 
I  can  boast  of  a  home  of  my  own,  where  I  can 
wield  my  axe  freely ;  also  I  am  at  peace  with  my 
neighbours  who  honour  my  Gods  and  my  lan- 
guage. Now  we  have  peace  with  every  one.  If 
an  Alemann  comes  to  our  hearth,  a  valiant  fellow, 
we  give  him  a  bed  by  our  fire;  if  on  the  morrow  a 
Roman  warrior  comes,  who  appears  to  us  honour- 
able, we  perhaps  do  the  same.  Both  must  live 
discreetly,  according  to  our  laws;  and  should  one 
grudge  the  other  the  air  and  the  hearth-fire,  let 
them  take  their  swords  and  fight  out  their  quarrel 


SO  INGO. 

outside  the  village  fence;  the  blows  are  their 
affair,  not  ours.  Therefore,  I  say,  here  is  an  heroic 
man ;  whether  Roman  or  Vandal,  let  him  be  wel- 
come to  our  hearths ;  we  will  be  the  Hosts,  and 
restrain  him  if  he  should  disturb  the  peace  of  the 
land." 

He  spoke,  and  seated  himself  defiantly  on  his 
stool ;  the  old  men  murmured  assent.  Then  rose 
Albwin,  a  man  of  noble  nature.  It  is  said  that 
the  house-spirit  dwells  in  the  rafter-roof  of  his 
house,  from  the  times  of  his  fathers',  and  rocks  the 
children  of  the  family  in  the  night,  and  that  on 
this  account  they  do  not  grow  up  like  other  men; 
for  all  his  family  are  delicate  and  small,  yet 
pleasant  in  disposition,  and  powerful  in  good 
words.  And  he  spoke  thus :  "  Perhaps  tnou  thyself, 
O  Prince,  inayest  be  able  to  reconcile  the  opinions 
of  the  chiefs  and  neighbours.  They  all  would 
grant  the  best  to  the  Hero  who  came  to  thy  hearth 
from  the  war;  they  are  only  fearful  lest,  per- 
haps, at  some  time  their  countrymen  should  be 
troubled  by  Im  fate.  For  it  is  characteristic  of 
an  illustrious  man  not  to  lie  idle  under  the  roof 
of  his  Host ;  he  collects  followers  around  him,  and 
creates  himself  opponents :  the  greater  a  man's 
ix-pute,  the  more  powerfully  will  he  draw  his 
con  i  punions  in  his  path.  \Ve  are  not  so  niggardly 


INGO.  81 

as  to  count  the  days  during  which  we  should 
keep  a  wanderer  in  the  hall,  yet  we  do  not  know 
the  views  of  the  Hero ;  and  therefore  may  it  be 
permitted  to  me  to  ask  the  Host.  If  it  is  only  a 
question  of  giving  the  stranger  a  short  rest  and  a 
chamber,  then  there  is  no  need  of  consultation. 
But  if  he  wishes  to  pass  his  future  days  among 
our  people,  to  fix  his  abode  on  our  ground,  then 
we  must  think  cautiously,  not  only  of  the  advan- 
tage of  the  stranger,  but  also  of  our  own." 

"  Thy  admonition  is  well  founded,"  answered 
the  Prince,  seriously,  "and  yet  I  must  refuse 
an  answer  to  thy  speech  ;  thou  thyself  knowest 
that  it  does  not  become  a  Host  to  watch  the  hour 
of  departure  of  a  guest ;  and  even  if  I  might,  in 
this  case  I  would  never  do  it,  for  the  noble  man 
came  to  us  from  misfortune ;  he  himself  knows 
not  whether  his  return  will  be  granted  to  him 
soon,  or  perhaps  ever." 

Again  Rothari  rose,  the  unyielding  man,  and 
spoke  in  anger.  "  What !  shall  we  market  about 
time,  we  Thuringians?  When  we  open  our  hearts, 
we  do  not  make  a  question  of  time.  Give  him 
the  rights  of  hospitality  among  the  people,  and 
make  an  end  of  it !  " 

Loud  cries  of  applause  rose  from  the  men,  who 
sprang  from  their  seats.  Then  jumped  up  Sin- 

6 


82  INGO. 

cram  in  the  middle  of  the  circle,  and  cried  out  with 
sharp  voice  to  the  excited  assembly,  "Look  to  it, 
Prince,  that  the  leaders  of  our  province  do  not,  like 
a  boy  following  a  bright  bird,  spring  down  into  an 
unexplored  chasm.  I  demand  silence:  little  has 
yet  been  considered  which  tends  to  our  welfare." 

The  Prince  made  a  sign  with  his  staff;  the 
men  seated  themselves  unwillingly,  and  a 
threatening  murmur  rose  against  Sintram;  but 
he  continued,  unmoved :  "  Powerful  art  thou,  O 
Prince,  and  sharp  is  the  iron  of  thy  people,  but 
we  are  Thuringians,  and  a  King  rules  over  us; 
it  is  fitting  that  the  King  should  give  hospitality 
to  the  foreign  king's  son,  not  we." 

"  King  Bisino  ?  King  Bilberry !"  cried  angry 
voices.  "  Will  Sintram  have  us  send  a  messenger 
to  the  King  to  prescribe  the  promises  that  we  are 
to  make  by  our  hearth-fires?"  exclaimed  an  indig- 
nant Thuringian. 

'"  The  King  is  our  liege  lord,"  said  Herr  An- 
swald,  cautiously.  "  In  the  council  of  the  people 
his  name  should  be  mentioned  with  respect." 

"  I  know  well,"  the  persistent  Sintram  called 
out  to  the  threatening  assembly,  "  that  we  do  not 
ask  the  King  when  a  way-weary  man,  of  whust; 
name  no  one  has  heard,  sits  down  on  our  bench  ; 
but  he  who  has  now  come  is  a  noted  warrior — an 


INGO.  80 

enemy  of  the  Romans.  We  know  not  the  King's 
mind,  whether  the  stranger  might  be  useful  or 
mischievous  to  him;  and  whether  he  who  con* 
siders  the  peace  of  the  people,  would  praise  or 
blame  our  hospitality." 

Then  rose  Turibert,  the  priest  of  the  sacrifices, 
who  sat  on  the  right  hand  of  the  Prince,  and 
began  with  a  loud  voice,  which  sounded  power- 
fully under  the  raftered  roof.  "Thou  askest 
whether  the  King  would  graciously  approve,  or 
turn  his  face  angrily  away.  I  do  not  blame 
thine  anxiety ;  many  a  one  asks  how  the  hare 
runs,  and  what  the  owl  cries.  But  I  tell  you 
what  is  known  to  men  without  any  prognostics. 
The  Gods  of  mankind  have  consecrated  a  law  for 
us,  that  we  should  grant  air  and  light,  earth  and 
water,  to  the  innocent  stranger.  If  the  King  is 
angry  because  we  behave  honourably  to  a  sup- 
pliant, we  must  bear  it ;  for  heavier  is  the  anger 
of  the  Gods  than  the  displeasure  of  a  king.  If 
this  man  is  an  enemy  to  you  because  he  has 
fought  the  Romans,  then  extinguish  forthwith 
the  hearth-fire  at  which  he  sits  down,  and  lead 
him  away  beyond  the  boundary  forest.  But  to 
consider  whether  he  may  perhaps  become  dan- 
gerous, or  perhaps  not,  is  not  the  custom  of  the 
country,  nor  the  command  of  the  Gods." 


8-i  INGO. 

"  Listen  to  liis  words,"  began  Isanbart  again. 
"  I  saw  my  sons  fall  in  the  thick  of  the  battle ; 
my  grandsons  also  have  vanished  from  man's 
earth ;  I  know  not  why  I  have  remained  behind 
in  the  struggle  betwixt  night  and  day,  betwixt 
summer  and  winter,  and  betwixt  love  and  anger 
in  the  souls  of  men.  But  perhaps  the  Powers 
have  preserved  me  here,  that  I  might  give  to  the 
younger  men  an  account  of  the  fate  of  their 
lathers.  In  the  former  times,  so  the  old  men 
told  me,  all  Thuringians  built  upon  their  own 
fields  as  free  men,  in  a  confederacy  of  the  pro- 
vinces. But  discord  came  among  the  people ; 
those  in  the  northern  province  struggled  unsuc- 
cessfully against  the  knives  of  the  Saxons.  Then 
the  northern  province  chose  for  themselves  a 
King;  they  placed  him  on  a  high  seat,  and  put  a 
diadem  round  the  head  of  a  hero  whose  fame  as 
a  warrior  was  renowned  ;  and  the  race  of  Princes 
became  powerful.  From  the  quarries  of  the  plain 
they  built  a  castle  of  stone,  and  collected  warriors 
of  the  people  within  the  walls.  But  our  ances- 
tors, forest  men,  sat  independent  on  the  inherit- 
ance of  their  fathers,  impatient  of  the  King's 
sway.  Long  did  the  strife  last  between  our 
province  and  the  King's  men.  When  the  King's 
hosts  invaded  our  boundary  fence  we  drove 


INOO.  85 

• 

our  herds  into  the  woods,  and  saw  indignantly 
how  these  valley  people  set  our  houses  in  tiames  ; 
we  sat  behind  the  barricade,  and  counted  the 
days,  till  we  could  exercise  reprisals  on  the  herds 
and  warriors  of  the  King.  At  last  the  King 
offered  an  amicable  compromise.  I  was  a  boy 
when  the  people  of  our  province  first  bowed 
their  necks  before  the  King's  red  diadem.  Since 
then  we  have  sent  our  young  men  to  his  wars, 
and  in  return  the  King's  men  come  into  our 
ranks  when  our  province  is  at  war  with  the 
community  of  the  Kattens.  Impatiently  does 
the  King  bear  our  lukewarm  homage ;  often  have 
his  messengers  endeavoured  to  set  a  price  on 
our  herds,  and  to  count  the  sheaves  on  our  acres. 
More  than  once  in  our  lifetime  has  the  quarrel 
with  the  King's  people  blazed  up ;  the  common 
advantage  has  compelled  them  again  to  peace, 
but  the  counsellors  of  the  King  spy  jealously 
from  the  battlements  of  the  castle  at  our  free 
forests.  Now  we  still  live  unscathed ;  rings  and 
dresses  come  from  the  King's  castle  for  the  per- 
sons of  our  nobles,  and  our  fellow-countrymen 
are  received  with  loud  greetings  in  the  King's 
halls.  Yet  I  warn  you  that  we  are  not  pliant,  nor 
accustomed  to  the  princely  service;  we  ask  for 
nothing,  therefore  King  Bisino  sends  us  no  answers . 


<S(>  INGO. 

we  do  not  supplicate  him  as  a  master,  therefore  he 
grants  us  no  favours.  Every  pretext  .to  show 
power  is  welcome  at  the  King's  court.  Whether 
the  King's  people  like  or  dislike  the  stranger,  if 
we  ask  them,  it  does  us  a  mischief;  if  to-day  we 
enquire  about  our  rights  of  hospitality,  and  beg 
for  permission,  on  the  morrow  we  shall  have  a 
King's  messenger  with  commands.  Therefore  it 
seems  to  me  better  that  we  should  remain  as  we 
have  done.  To  give  content  to  our  guest  is  our 
right,  not  the  right  of  the  King.  Thus  be  it 
ended.  When  I  was  a  man  in  my  full  strength, 
I  was  travelling  companion  to  the  father  of  our 
Host.  I  stood  in  the  battle  by  the  sword-hand  of 
that  Hero  whose  son  now  tarries  at  our  hearth. 
A  mild  man,  but  proud  and  strong,  was  the 
father,  and  I  see  the  son  is  of  the  same  stamp. 
When  lately  I  found  the  young  Hero  at  the 
games,  then  did  my  dream  of  the  olden  time 
revive;  I  saw  a  friend's  eye,  not  that  of  a  stranger; 
the  hand  of  the  king,  which  I  once  touched  in  a 
foreign  country,  I  touched  anew  now ;  and  there- 
fore I  desire  to  gain  for  him  the  good-will  of  the 
people,  the  seat  at  our  bench." 

The  old  man  sat  down  again  slowly,  but  round 
the  hearth  sounded  a  loud  acclamation,  and  swords 
rattled  in  their  sheaths.  u  All  hail  to  Isanbart ! 


INGO.  87 

hail  to  Ingo!  We  give  him  the  rights  of 
hospitality  ! " 

The  Prince  arose,  and  closed  the  council.  "  I 
thank  our  friends  and  countrymen  ;  let  what  has 
been  transacted  here  be  told  and  done,  and  let  no 
one  bear  rancour  for  past  words ;  for  it  becomes 
the  Chiefs  of  the  people  to  make  a  unanimous 
decision,  that  in  the  community  of  the  province 
there  may  be  no  doubt  or  discord  to  disturb  the 
peace." 

Prince  Answald  went  from  man  to  man,  and 
shook  hands  with  each  one  ;  Sintram  also  shook 
hands,  and  smiled  confidingly,  when  the  Prince 
looked  at  him ;  but  Rothari  gave  a  shake  of  the 
hand  that  resounded,  and  exclaimed  at  the  same 
time,  "  It  rejoices  me;  "  and  with  these  words  of 
the  excitable  man  a  smile  passed  over  the  serious 
faces.  The  Herald  opened  the  door,  and  the 
heroes  stepped  with  dignity  out  of  the  house  on 
to  the  meadow,  where  the  circle  of  their  fellow- 
countrymen  were  assembled.  Then  the  people's 
hospitality  was  accorded  to  the  stranger  amidst 
the  acclamations  of  the  multitude ;  they  invited 
him  into  their  circle,  and  led  him  afterwards, 
according  to  holy  custom,  to  the  great  hearth- 
kettle  of  the  Prince.  Over  the  kettle  the  Chiefs 
of  the  people  and  Ingo  exchanged  vows. 


b8  INGO. 

Then  the  Prince  began  to  the  guest,  "  Tho 
alliance  is  sworn,  and  a  place  shall  be  prepared 
for  thee  in  my  court,  Hero  Ingo,  that  thou  mayest 
have  an  apartment  therein  so  long  as  pleaseth 
thee.  But  thou  thyself  must  appoint  a  chamber- 
lain ;  choose  among  my  retainers  any  one  whom 
thou  likest,  only  I  should  be  unwilling  to  give 
up  Hildebrand  the  Herald,  or  Theodulf,  who  is 
himself  of  noble  race.  The  others  will  every  one 
esteem  it  an  honour  to  give  thee  an  oath  of 
fidelity,  and  to  follow  thy  footsteps  so  long  as 
thou  tamest  amongst  us,  especially  when  they 
learn  it  is  agreeable  to  me." 

Then  Ingo  approached  Wolf,  and  said,  "  Thou 
wast  the  first  to  offer  the  stranger  bread  and  salt 
at  the  boundary  of  the  country,  and  thou  hast 
shown  thyself  friendly  to  me  ever  since.  Wilt 
thou  venture  to  be  the  companion  of  a  banished 
man  ?  I  have  no  other  treasury  but  the  forest 
and  the  heath,  if  your  Prince  permits  me  to  seek 
booty  there,  and  the  battle-field  wich  the  armlets 
of  slain  enemies;  thou  wilt  have  to  follow  a  poor 
lord,  and  no  other  reward  can  I  offer  thee  than 
kind  feeling  and  help  with  spear  and  shield." 

Wolf  answered,  "  Teach  me,  0  my  lord,  to 
attain  thy  skill  in  the  battle-field,  then  am  I  sure 
to  gain  golden  treasure,  if  the  Gods  will  Dcnnit 


INGO.  89 

that  I  should  endure  in  the  fight;  yet  if  they 
invite  thee  to  their  halls,  I  know  that  the  path 
along  which  I  follow  thee  will  be  full  of  fame  to 
me  also." 

He  spoke,  and  made  his  vow  to  the  guest  upon 
his  hand.  Theodulf  also  sought  reconcilation 
with  Ingo.  On  the  evening  of  the  feast,  when 
the  Prince  had  taken  the  Hero  to  the  seat  of 
honour,  Sintram,  with  other  men  of  Theodulf  s 
kindred  had  met  together.  They  had  secretly 
taken  counsel  how  to  hinder  a  fight  between  the 
opponents,  and  Theodulf  had,  in  consequence, 
followed  by  his  kinsfolk,  gone  to  Ingo,  and  had 
said,  "  The  aspect  of  the  country  appears  different 
when  the  sun  breaks  out  from  behind  the  clouds. 
Thus  I  did  not  know  thy  value  when  I  spoke 
ungraciously  to  thee.  My  speech  did  not  refer 
to  thee,  but  to  an  inglorious  man  who  has  now 
vanished;  do  thou  forget,  therefore,  the  wounding 
words,  that  I  may  not  be  the  only  one  in  the 
hall  to  whom  thou  wouldst  have  a  right  to  bear 
rancour." 

And  the  Prince  added,  "  He  speaks  rightly ; 
none  of  us  here  now  wish  thee  evil,  Hero.  I 
myself  desire  a  reconciliation  for  him,  for  it  was 
I  who  concealed  thy  name." 

Then  answered  Ingo,  "  The  words  of  contempt 


90  INGO. 

I  forgot,  Theodulf,  during  the  song  of  the  min- 
strel ;  unwillingly  would  I  think  of  any  further 
revenge." 

In  golden  splendour  rose  a  new  morning  for 
Ingo.     But  in  the  mountain  forest  a  hot  morning 

o  o 

is  followed  by  a  stormy  day,  and  even  warmth 
of  heart  disappears  quickly  in  the  storm  of  angry 
thoughts. 


JNGO.  91 


IV. 

AT  THE  KING'S  COURT. 

AT  the  castle  of  the  King  of  Thuringia  sat 
Gisela,  the  Queen,  on  a  high  seat ;  she  supported 
her  head  on  her  white  arm,  and  her  long  curls 
fell  from  under  her  diadem  over  her  hand,  cover- 
ing her  eyes.  At  her  feet  a  servant-maid  was 
putting  back  into  the  chest  the  gold  vessels  from 
the  King's  table,  and  counting  the  pieces  before 
she  closed  and  delivered  it  .into  the  treasure- 
room  of  her  royal  mistress.  She  gazed  smilingly  at 
her  face  distorted  in  the  round  metal,  and  looked 
up  to  her  lady  ;  but  the  Queen  concerned  herself 
little  about  the  golden  treasure.  Some  steps  off 
sat  King  Bisino,  a  valiant  warrior,  of  bulky  figure, 
with  strong  limbs  and  a  broad  face ;  he  had  on 
his  cheek  a  black  mole,  which  was  hereditary  in 
his  race ;  it  had  been  a  cause  of  derision  to  one  of 
his  ancestors,  but  was  now  considered  a  king's 
token ;  it  did  not  add  to  his  beauty,  but  he  was 


92  INGO. 

proud  of  it.  The  King  was  cross-looking ;  copious 
drinking  had  swollen  the  veins  of  his  forehr.ul. 
He  was  wrangling  with  the  minstrel  Volkmar, 
who  was  standing  before  him. 

"I  have  sent  for  thee  after  the  repast," 
said  the  King,  "  that  the  Queen  may  question 
thee,  but  she  appears  not  to  know  that  we  are 
here." 

"  What  does  my  lord  command  ? "  asked  Frau 
Gisela,  raising  herself  up  proudly. 

"There  is  good  reason,"  murmured  the  King, 
"  to  open  one's  eyes,  when  the  Kings  wear  iron 
fetters  by  the  Rhine,  and  lie  in  damp  prisons." 

"  Why  did  they  offer  their  hands  to  the  fet- 
ters ?  "  replied  Gisela,  coldly.  "  It  ill  becomes 
those  who  have  led  thousands  of  their  warriors 
to  the  death-halls  to  allow  others  the  precedence. 
When  I  see  valiant  men  with  death- wounds  on 
the  bloody  heath,  I  concern  myself  little  about 
the  bloodless  faces  in  prison." 

"Fortune  abandons  even  valiant  men,"  said 
the  King,  looking  timidly  at  his  wife.  ."  But 
thou,  fellow,  hast  not  told  all;  one  of  them  escaped 
and  came  into  my  country.  There  have  been 
loud  sounds  heard  in  the  house  of  the  Prince  ; 
acclamations  to  Ingo  have  shaken  the  hall.  Thou 
wast  there,  niinble-tongued  musician;  why  hast 


INGO.  93 

thou  changed  thy  song  ?  for  other  were  the  tones 
of  thy  ditty  in  the  forest  bower." 

"  Bad  would  be  the  repute  of  the  singer  if  his 
song  sounded  uniformly  on  one  string.  My  duty 
is  to  give  every  man  his  due,  that  the  heart  of 
the  hearer  may  open  itself  joyfully.  J  did  not 
conceal  the  name  of  the  hero  from  the  King,  for 
deeds  of  renown  live  through  my  mouth.  But  I 
did  not  know  that  the  name  of  the  fugitive 
would  disturb  the  mind  of  the  great  ruler  of  the 
people." 

"I  know  thee,"  exclaimed  the  King,  with  an 
outbreak  of  anger;  "  thou  divest  with  agility,  like 
the  otter  in  the  river.  Guard  thy  smooth  skin 
from  the  strokes  of  my  boys." 

"  The  minstrel  is  at  peace  with  the  wild  folk. 
Thy  boys,  0  King — the  insolent  men  whose  noise 
sounds  now  from  the  court  up  to  the  stone  tower 
— have  fear  also  of  the  minstrel ;  for  he  carries 
tidings  of  every  misdeed  through  all  countries ; 
and  were  his  mouth  to  be  for  ever  stopped,  then 
his  ^valiant  comrades  would  revenge  his  death. 
Thine  anger  does  not  frighten  me.  yet  I  should 
be  unwilling  to  lose  thy  favour,  for  thou  hast 
richly  rewarded  my  true  service.  It  is  impossible 
for  rne  to  know  why  my  lord  hears  with  such 
displeasure  the  name  of  the  stranger ;  the  fugi- 


94  INGO. 

tive  appears  to  me  a  valiant  man,  faithful  to  his 
friends,  and  not  greedy  after  foreign  goods." 

"  Thou  speakest  as  befits  thee,"  said  the  Queen, 
kindly,  "and  the  King  knows  well  thy  value. 
Take  for  thy  news,  even  though  it  should  be  un- 
pleasant, the  reward  of  a  king'a  messenger."  She 
made  a  sign  to  her  serving-maid,  who  pushed  the 
heavy  chest  in  front  of  her  feet;  she  put  her 
hand  in,  and  without  making  a  choice,  off'eivil  to 
the  minstrel  a  gold  drinkiug-vessel.  The  min- 
strel looked  at  her  startled,  but  seeing  the  Queen 
knit  her  brows  angrily,  he  took  the  cup  which 
she  reached  him,  and  bowed  low  upon  her 
hand. 

"  If  thy  rapid  foot  can  tarry  with  us  yet  a 
while,  do  thou  teach  my  maidens  the  new  dance 
melody,  which  thou  broughtest  the  last  time  to 
our  hall.  And  afterwards  come  where  thou  wilt 
be  near  me." 

She  gave  him  a  gracious  sign  to  depart.  The 
King  looked  after  him  with  a  dissatisfied  air. 

"Thou  art  liberal  witli  the  gold  out  of  thy 
chest,"  he  said,  sulkily. 

"The  King  makes  a  good  bargain  when  he  can 
by  gold  repair  the  injustice  that  he  has  done  to 
an  inferior.  It  is  little  to  the  honour  of  my  lord 
to  betray  his  anxieties  to  the  travelling  man  who 


1NGO.  05 

sings  from  hall  to  hall  for  pay.  Thou  hast  only 
the  choice  of  closing  the  mouth  of  the  man  by  a 
cup,  or  for  ever  by  a  stroke  of  the  sword ;  there- 
fore I  gave  him  the  cup  to  propitiate  him,  that  he 
might  be  silent ;  for  he  is  a  far-famed  man,  and  it 
would  be  dangerous  to  kill  the  witness  of  thy 
fear." 

The  King  continued  dejectedly,  terrified,  as 
often  happened  to  him,  by  the  proud  spirit  of  the 
Queen,  "  What  dost  thou  advise  with  respect  to 
the  stranger,  whom  the  forest  people  have  re- 
ceived as  a  friendly  guest  as  a  defiance  to  me  ? 
Shall  I  offer  him  also  gold,  or  iron  ? " 

"  Thy  favour,  King  Bisino  ;  for  Ingo,  the  son  of 
Ingbert,  is  an  illustrious  man." 

"Is  it  to  my  advantage  that  he  can  make  the 
king's  leap  ?  "  asked  the  King  again. 

Frau  Gisela  looked  at  him,  and  remained  silent. 
"Confidence  alone  binds  a  noble  mind,"  she 
replied  at  last,  and  stood  before  the  King.  "  If 
my  lord  would  avoid  danger,  let  him  invite  the 
stranger  himself  to  his  court,  and  show  him  the 
honour  due  to  him.  The  King's  son  may  be 
dangerous,  perhaps,  among  the  peasants  of  the 
forest,  but  not  in  thy  castle,  and  in  the  midst  of 
thy  army;  here,  as  thy  friendly  guest,  his  oath  and 
thy  power  will  bind  him." 


96  INGO. 

The  King  reflected.  "Thou  advisest  well, 
( Jisrla,  and  thou  knowest  I  respect  thy  words.  I 
will  await  what  the  future  brings."  He  rose ;  the 
Queen  made  a  sign  to  the  maiden  to  leave  her. 

When  she  was  alone,  she  paced  up  and  down  the 
room  with  rapid  steps.  "I  am  called  Gisela;  I 
am  fettered  in  a  foreign  land  to  the  joyless  bed  of 
a  low-minded  man.  For  years  has  the  daughter 
of  the  King  of  Burgundy  sat  in  misery  on  the 
throne,  and  her  thoughts  return  to  the  land  of  her 
own  people,  and  to  the  time  of  her  childhood. 
There  I  saw  him  whom  once  my  father  destined 
for  my  husband,  when  I  was  a  child  and  he  was  a 
boy.  Ingo,  the  banished  man,  hard  was  thy 
travelling  fare,  and  bitter  thy  drink  in  thy  ban- 
ishment, but  bitterer  yet  is  my  grief  in  the  King's 
castle !  Whenever  a  wandering  warrior  came 
from  foreign  lands,  I  enquired  after  thy  lot.  Now 
thy  steps  approach  the  path  along  which  I  tread, 
be  thou  welcome  to  me,  whether  for  weal  or  woe  ; 
for  I  am  weary  of  my  solitude." 

From  without  sounded  the  laughter  of  many 
voices,  and  the  song  of  the  maidens ;  the  Queen 
sat  down,  her  hands  clasped  upon  her  knees,  and 
listened  to  the  melody  of  the  dance,  which  the 
minstrel  sang.  Later  the  serving-maid  led  the 
minstrel  quietly  in.  "  Thou  hast  related  much  at 


INGO.  97 

the  King's  repast,"  said  she  to  hiin.smiling,  "which 
has  given  my  lord  heavy  thoughts.  Now  let  me 
know  in  confidence  how  thou  thyself  didst 
escape  the  bands  of  the  Romans ;  for  I  was  in 
danger  of  losing  a  worthy  man,  who  has  often 
given  me  pleasure.  If  thou  hast  a  song  con- 
cerning thine  own  troubles,  I  will  listen  to  it." 

"I  thought  little  of  myself  at  that  hour, 
Princess;  I  looked  after  another  who  saved  me, 
and  put  himself  in  the  greatest  danger." 

"I  think  that  was  this  stranger,"  said  the  Queen. 
"  Begin  thy  song,  and  lower  thy  voice  if  thou  canst, 
that  idle  people  may  not  throng  to  the  door." 

Volkmar  began  in  a  low  voice  his  account  of 
the  escape  to  the  boat,  and  the  leap  into  the 
Rhine.  The  golden  rays  of  the  evening  sun 
glanced  through  the  small  open  window,  encir- 
cling the  form  of  the  minstrel,  who,  in  deep 
excitement,  sang  softly  the  emotions  of  his  heart. 
The  Queen  sat  in  the  shadow,  and  again  her 
heavy  tresses  fell  over  the  hand  which  supported 
her  bent  head;  immoveabJe  she  sat,  absorbed 
within  herself,  till  the  luinstrel  concluded  with 
his  recognition  in  the  hall. 

"  That  will  be  a  song  glorious  for  both — both  for 
him  and  thee,"  said  the  Queen,  graciously,  when 
the  minstrel  ceased.  "Thou  goest  with  the  blessing 

7 


98  INOO. 

of  the  Gods  to  hall  and  hearth,  that  the  news  may 
be  spread  among  the  people." 

The  King  sat  at  the  evening  carouse  among  his 
attendants ;  the  shouts  and  laughter  of  his  body- 
guard sounded  round  the  hearth ;  from  large 
glasses  and  goblets  they  quaffed  the  spicy  drink. 
"  Play  us  the  dance,  minstrel,"  cried  one  of  the 
wild  fellows,  "  which  thou  hast  taught  to-day  to 
the  King's  maidens,  so  that  we  also  may  dance 
skilfully  to  the  melody  on  the  heath." 

"  Let  him  alone,"  said  Hadubard,  mockingly, 
a  scarred  warrior  who  had  been  a  halberdier  at 
the  Roman  court,  and  now  served  the  King. 
"  His  song  is  just  good  enough  for  the  cranes  to 
hop  to  in  the  poultry-yard.  He  who  has  beheld 
the  dancers,  the  smiling  mai'dens  from  Alexandria, 
thinks  the  step  of  the  peasant  on  the  grass  like 
the  march  of  geese." 

"He  has  become  proud,"  cried  out  another, 
"since  he  has  concealed  in  his  dress  the  gold  cup 
of  the  Queen.  Be  on  thy  guard,  Volkmar ;  in- 
secure is  golden  treasure  with  the  travelling  man 
who  goes  over»the  heath." 

"  Wolfgang  is  thy  name,"  replied  the  minstrel, 
"and  like  a  wolf  thou  goest  lurking  over  the 
heath.  Ill  does  thy  envious  look  on  the  Qiux-a'.s 
gift  befit  the  bench  of  the  King." 


INGO.  U'J 

He  took  his  instrument  in  his  hand,  touched 
the  strings,  and  sang  the  melody  of  the  dance. 
Then  the  men  began  to  move  their  limbs ;  they 
beat  time  with  their  hands  on  the  table,  and 
stamped  the  step  with  their  feet ;  the  King  also, 
elevated  with  wine,  clapped  his  hand  on  the 
cover  of  the  wine  bottle,  and  nodded  his  head. 
But  at  the  second  verse  the  boys,  excited  with 
mead,  rose  up ;  only  the  old  men  kept  seated,  and 
clasped  firmly  in  their  hands  their  drinking- 
horns,  while  the  others,  following  each  other  in 
couples,  danced  round  the  bench,  so  that  the 
noise  was  great  in  the  hall.  The  King  laughed. 

"  Thou  knowest  well  how  to  subdue  them,"  ho 
exclaimed  to  the  minstrel.  "  Come  near,  Volkmar, 
thou  crafty-tongued  man ;  sit  near  me,  that  I  may 
confide  to  thee  my  opinion.  I  was  ill-tempered 
to-day ;  I  did  not  intend  ill,  but  thy  news  lay 
heavy  upon  my  soul.  However,  as  concerns  the 
golden  cup  that  the  Queen  has  bestowed  upon 
thee,  what  my  old  boy  said  to  thee  was  not 
wrong.  Gold  is  a  royal  metal,  and  is  not  fitting 
for  the  travelling-bag  of  an  inferior  man ;  thou 
thyself  singest  that  it  is  productive  of  evil  to 
human  beings.  Thou  wouldst  act  wisely  if  thou 
shouldst  quite  quietly  and  with  a  willing  heart  give 
me  back  this  booty,  to  place  in  the  treasure-house." 


100  INGQ. 

Willingly  would  the  minstrel  have  kept  the 
beautiful  cup  ;  and  he  answered,  "  What  the  eye 
of  the  master  covets  will  do  no  good  to  the  ser- 
vant; yet  bethink  thee,  Prince,  the  piece  which 
has  occasioned  sorrow  and  envy  to  the  man  who 
has  lost  it  will  bring  a  curse  into  the  King's 
treasury." 

"  Have  no  anxiety  about  that,"  replied  the 
King ;  "  to  me  it  is  nothing." 

"  But  when  the  Queen  learns  that  I  have  so 
little  valued  her  gift,  she  will  justly  be  angry 
with  me,"  said  the  minstrel. 

"  She  will  scarcely  know  it,  Volkmar,  believe 
me,"  continued  the  King,  persuasively.  "  It  is  all 
alike  to  her  whether  it  is  gold  or  copper.  When 
in  autumn  the  forest  people  send  their  horses  to 
my  court,  thou  mayest  look  out  for  thyself  a  good 
one  with  round  hoofs,  and  my  chamberlain  shall 
give  thee  a  beautiful  dress  out  of  the  chest,  which 
will  give  thee  more  dignity  among  the  people ; 
than  the  round  bit  of  plate.  For  I  mean  well  by 
thee,  Volkmar ;  I  fear  for  thee  the  envy  of  my 
attendants." 

"  I  have  heard  disorderly  words  at  the  hearth 
of  the  King,"  replied  the  minstrel,  vexed. 

"Do  not  take  it  amiss,  Volkmar,"  exclaimed 
the  King,  soothingly  ;  "  it  is  true  their  speech  is 


INGO.  101 

sometimes  wild,  and  I  have  difficulty  in  restrain- 
ing their  violence,  but  the  art  of  a  King  is  to  use 
every  one  in  his  own  line.  For  gold  and  a  warm 
seat  at  my  bench  they  do  quickly,  as  King's 
messengers,  all  that  I  choose,  asking  no  questions, 
whether  the  deed  is  bloody  or  not.  How  can  a 
King  govern  a  people  without  such  servants  ? 
For  the  minds  of  men  are  proud ;  every  one  will 
do  only  what  pleases  him,  every  one  stands  on 
his  own  rights,  and  seeks  his  own  revenge,  and 
no  one  yields  to  the  will  of  others.  Every  one 
desires  fighting  and  wounds  for  his  own  reputa- 
tion, and  is  in  haste  to  go  up  to  the  Gods.  I  mean 
some  time  also,  at  last,  to  ask  for  a  seat  in  the  hall 
of  the  Gods.  But  I  would  rather,  while  on  this 
aarth,  rule  over  pliant  men ;  and  if  I  must  remove 
men  from  the  light  because  they  are  dangerous 
to  me,  it  is  but  a  few ;  but  to  preserve  the  others 
in  their  inheritance  is  for  my  advantage  and  my 
glory  :  think  thereon,  Volkmar,  because  thou  art 
a  sensible  man.  The  people  are  insolent,  and 
their  minds  puffed  up,  but  the  King's  care  is  to 
think  of  everything  that  is  good  for  the  country. 
Therefore  do  not  blame  my  faithful  ones.  It  is 
better  that  they  should  sometimes  commit  a 
crime  in  self-defence  than  that  all  the  rest  should 
meditate  evil  against  one  another,  and  that  the 


102  INGO. 

people  of  Thuringia  should  have  to  yield  bonds* 
in.  n'.s  service  to  a  foreign  race." 

The  minstrel  remained  silent.  The  King  con- 
tinued, warily,  "  The  wine  has  opened  my  heart, 
and  I  will  speak  to  thee  as  to  a  friend.  Tell  me,  as 
one  would  to  a  brother,  what  kind  of  man  is  the 
stranger?  I  would  gladly  trust  him,  but  he  is  of 
that  unyielding  race  who  boast  that  once  a  God 
lay  in  the  marriage-bed  of  their  grandmother. 
The  race  is  of  little  use  on  this  earth ;  their  blood 
lias  become  dark,  like  old  mead  in  pitchy  jugs ; 
they  make  a  great  blustering  among  the  people, 
they  bear  themselves  as  if  they  were  the  cousins 
of  the  God  of  war,  and  regard  the  lot  of  all 
others  like  the  chaff  which  they  blow  before 
them.  Is  the  stranger  such  a  fellow  ? " 

"  It  appears  to  me  that  his  spirit  is  cheerful 
find  his  nature  careless,  only  a  heavy  fate  attends 
him,"  replied  Volknmr. 

"  How  does  he  behave  himself  with  the  wine- 
cup  ? "  asked  the  King.  "  I  lik--  a  red-cheeked  lad 
who  opens  his  throat  for  his  drink." 

"  He  knows  how  to  give  a  good  account  of 
liiinsrlf  in  drinking  and  in  speech,"  replied  the 
minstrel. 

"  Then  he  shall  be  welcome  to  me  on  my 
hearth,"  exclaimed  the  King,  tapping  his  drinking- 


INOO.  103 

cup.  "  But  I  have  chosen  thee  as  a  trusty  mes- 
senger, that  thou  mayest  bring  me  the  stranger 
from  the  forest  bower  to  my  castle ;  bring  him 
before  my  face." 

Volkmar  rose,  and  stood  reflecting.  "  I  will 
give  thy  message  to  the  stranger;  yet  that  he 
may  learn  the  well-considered  intentions  of  my 
lord,  I  beg  my  King  will  first  promise  him  peace 
and  safe  conduct,  to  the  court  and  from  the  court 
— my  King,  and  his  boys  in  the  hall." 

"  What  dost  thou  imagine,  minstrel  ? "  cried 
the  King,  with  an  outburst  of  displeasure ;  "how 
can  I  give  a  promise  to  a  wild  stranger,  whose 
intentions  I  do  not  know  ? " 

"  Yet  thou  wishest,  O  my  lord,  that  he  should 
yield  himself  into  thy  hands.  It  is  easy  to 
demand  an  oath  from  an  individual.  My  lord 
would  himself  consider  the  stranger  a  fool  if  he 
ventured  here  among  your  boys,  without  a  surety 
of  peace." 

"  Why  does  my  King  need  a  wandering  min- 
strel for  such 'a  message?"  cried  out  Wolfgang 

O  O  O  ' 

"  let  him  send  us,  and  we  will  bring  the  stranger, 

O  O          * 

either  on  his  feet  or  on  his  shield :  we  have  long 

7  O 

wished  to  pay  a  visit  to  the  villages  of  these 
insolent  peasants." 

"Silence,"  said  the  King;  "I  need  not  your 


104  INGO. 

rude  tongue  when  I  have  to  deal  with  my  forest 
people.  Volkmar  shall  be  my  messenger,  for  to- 
day is  a  day  of  good  words ;  when  there  comes  a 
day  for  hard  deeds,  then  I  will  call  upon  thee. 

"  So  thou  thinkest  he  will  not  be  such  a  fool  ?" 
he  asked,  scowlingly,  and  from  his  moist  eyes 
broke  forth  a  fiery  look  like  a  flash  of  fire  from 
out  of  a  wet  cloud ;  but  he  restrained  himself, 
and  continued  good-humouredly,  "  Well,  I  will 
promise  him  all.  And  you,  silence  there ! "  he 
cried  out,  raising  his  voice  above  the  noise  of  his 
men,  u  Come  in,  and  promise  on  my  hand  peace 
for  Ingo,  the  son  of  Ingbert,  to  the  court,  at  the 
court,  and  from  the  court."  - 

The  men  took  the  oath.  "  And  now,  minstrel," 
continued  the  King,  threateningly,  "  1  lay  it  on 
thy  conscience  to  bring  him  here  without  delay." 

"  I  am  only  thy  messenger,  my  lord ;  I  cannot 
compel  him." 

"Think  of  thine  own  safety,  Volkmar,"  cried 
the  King,  raising  his  clenched  fist  on  high.  '*  It 
would  be  bad  for  thee  if  thou  shouldst  be  obliged 
in  the  future  to  avoid  thy  native  land." 

"I  will  behave  myself  as  a  true  messenger," 
replied  the  minstrel,  earnestly. 

"All  right,  then,  Volkmar,"  concluded  the  King, 
appeased  and  rising.  "Let  the  drinking  be  ended  j 


INGO.  105 

break  up  from  your  seats;  and  thou,  Volkmar, 
shalt  to-day  accompany  me  instead  of  my 
chamberlain."  The  King  supported  himself 
heavily  upon  Volkmar 's  shoulder,  and  walked 
with  him  across  the  court  to  the  apartment  of 
the  Queen.  On  the  way  he  whispered  to  him,  in 
a  jocund  way,  "  Now,  rogue,  where  is  the  cup  ? " 

Volkmar  opened  the  bag  which  he  carried  on 
his  girdle,  and  offered  the  gold  vessel  to  the  King. 

"  Put  it  into  my  dress,"  said  the  King  ;  "  I  will, 
for  thy  sake,  take  care  that  Frau  Gisela  shall  not 
see  the  thing." 

On  the  following  morning  the  minstrel  left  the 
castle.  The  King  looked  after  his  messenger  dis- 
trustfully, and  thought  in  his  own  mind,  "  My 
iorest  fox  will  hardly  bring  this  stranger  to  my 
castle ;  if  they  refuse  my  demand,  then  they  will 
gi-ve  me  a  ground  for  going  against  them,  to 
break  their  peasant  pride,  and  make  an  end  of 
their  free  confederation.  But  then  they  will 
choose  Ingo  for  their  leader,  and  he  appears  to 
me  a  brave  hero,  and  there  might  be  a  hard  fight 
among  logwood  and  forest  mushrooms.  No  one 
knows  what  would  be  the  end  of  it;  and  I  have 
no  wish  to  make  my  body  a  footstool  over  which 
another  would  rise  to  the  throne."  Thus,  full  of 
anxious  care,  he  drank  his  mead,  concealing  his 


106  INGO. 

thoughts  even  from  the  Queen,  who  with  her 
large  eyes  looked  enquiringly  at  him,  and  some- 
times guessed  his  thoughts  without  his  expressing 
them. 

Day  after  day  passed,  and  Ingo  did  not  come. 
But  one  evening  Sintram,  the  uncle  of  Theodulf, 
knocked  at  the  door.  The  King  received  him 
with  open  arms,  he  spoke  long  and  secretly  with 
him,  and  Frau  Gisela  remarked  that  the  King 
gave  assurance  to  the  nobleman,  with  a  shake  of 
the  hand,  "  Thy  advantage  and  mine  will  go  to- 
gether in  the  forest  like  two  wolves."  But  as 
the  Hero  Sintram  departed,  the  king  looked  after 
him  also  doubtingly,  and  called  him  an  evil-eyed 
fox. 


INGO.  107 


V. 

IN  THE  FOREST  ARBOUR. 

IN  the  Prince's  courtyard  and  in  the  village  the 
harvest  waggons,  rattled ;  the  Chieftain's  men 
forgot  in  the  pressure  of  work  their  warrior  pride, 
and  helped  the  hinds ;  the  reapers  bound  the  last 
sheaves  for  the  great  God  of  the  people,  and 
brought  a  garland  of  ears  of  corn,  dancing  in 
measure,  to  the  Prince's  hall.  The  barefooted 
village  children  swarmed  like  thrushes  about  the 
thicket,  collecting  berries  and  nuts  in  long 
cornets  made  of  wood  shavings.  Every  one  was 
eager  to  bring  home  the  fruit  which  the  Goddess 
of  the  fields  bestowed  upon  the  dwellers  of  the 
plains.  In^o,  by  the  side  of  the  Master  of  the 
house,  watched  the  peaceful  work,  which  he 
had  formerly  only  beheld  from  the  back  of  his 
high  war-horse.  He  heard  with  annoyance  his 
Host  vexing  himself  like  a  peasant  about  the 
wolves  that  had  killed  one  of  his  young  bullocks, 


108  INGO. 

but  he  more  often  smiled  gladly,  when  he  saw 
rmgard  among  the  maidens  at  their  work,  to 
whom  she  was  giving  orders.  The  hearts  of 
Ingo  and  the  noble  maiden  beat  with  joy  when, 
in  the  presence  of  others,  in  the  house  and  in  the 
field,  they  exchanged  greetings  and  sometimes  a 
few  words.  For  strict  was  the  rule  of  the  house ; 
the  men  lived  separately,  and  Ingo  feared,  since 
he  had  taken  the  oath  of  guest,  to  wound  the 
peace  of  the  house  by  too  bold  approaches. 
Almost  all  gave  him  friendly  looks ;  only  the  eyes 
of  the  Princess  became  clouded  when  she  beheld 
him.  She  was  vexed  by  the  proud  feeling  that 
he  had,  contrary  to  her  advice,  conquered  one  of 
her  kinsfolk  in  the  warlike  games,  and  that  her 
wish  to  consider  him  as  a  foreign  traveller  had 
been  frustrated  by  the  minstrel.  And  there  was 
another  thing  which  was  annoying  to  her.  She 
had  chosen  Theodulf,  her  blood-relation,  to  be 
the  husband  of  her  daughter ;  Herr  Answald  and 
her  own  kinsfolk  had  already  been  in  treaty  con- 
cerning it  some  years  before.  Now  she  observed 
suspiciously  her  daughter  and  the  guest. 

One  day  there  came  a  travelling  juggler,  with 
his  chest,  into  the  field  ;  he  played  in  front  of  the 
Prince's  courtyard  on  the  bagpipe,  till  the  people 
of  the  village  came  running  up;  the  men  also  and 


INGO.  100 

servants  of  the  Prince  came  out  of  the  gate  of 
the  courtyard.  When  the  circle  was  closed,  the 
man  began  in  vulgar  language  his  account — that 
he  concealed  in  his  chest  a  Roman  hero,  and  if  the 
warriors  and  beautiful  ladies  wished  to  show  him 
their  favour,  he  was  ready  to  exhibit  him.  He 
tapped  on  the  chest ;  the  cover  rose,  and  a  small 
hideous  monster,  with  a  face  like  a  man,  and  a 
Roman  helmet  over  his  ears,  raised  his  head  up, 
and  made  faces.  Many  drew  back,  but  the  more 
courageous  laughed  at  the  wonder.  The  man 
opened  the  chest,  and  an  ape  sprang  out,  dressed 
in  a  coat  of  mail  like  a  Roman  warrior.  He 
moved  his  lank  legs  about  on  the  grass,  turned  a 
somersault  in  the  air,  and  danced.  At  first  the 
country  people  were  alarmed,  then  there  arose 
loud  laughter  and  cries  of  approbation,  so  that 
Hildebrand  ran  into  the  arbour,  and  exclaimed  to 
the  Princess,  "A  juggler  is  dancing  before  the 
gate  of  the  Court,  with  a  small  wild  man,  whom 
they  call  an  ape."  Thereupon  the  Prince,  with 
Ingo  and  the  ladies,  went  out  and  amused  them- 
selves with  the  frolicsome  jumps  of  the  ape.  At 
last  the  ape  took  his  helmet  off',  and  ran  round 
the  circle,  while  the  man  cried  out — 

"Bestow,  ye   heroes,  on   my  Roman  warrior 
what  you  have  of  Roman  coin  in  your  purses, 


110  INGO. 

small  and  groat ;  the  nobler  the  hero,  the  larger 
will  be  the  bit  of  money.  Let  those  who  have 
none  place  sausages  and  eggs  in  the  chest." 

Then  the  people  laughed,  and  many  put  theii 
hands  into  their  belts ;  others  brought  from  the 
house  what  would  serve  for  travelling  fare  for 
the  man.  The  stranger  went  up  also  to  the 
Prince,  and  he  and  Theodulf  took  Roman  copper 
out  of  their  pockets,  and  Frida  heard  Theodulf 
say  to  the  juggler,  pointing  to  Ingo,  "  The  great 
Hero  there  will  bestow  upon  thee  most  bounti- 
fully." When  the  man  with  his  ape  approached 
the  Hero  Ingo,  Frida  was  anxious  to  see  whether 
the  stranger  and  his  chamberlain  Wolf,  in  the 
jerkin  of  the  Princess,  would  be  able  to  find 
anything  that  they  could  give ;  and  in  order  to 
save  them  from  shame  she  quickly  pulled  off  a 
small  silver  bell  which  the  Prince's  daughter  had 
given  her  as  a  neck  ornament,  and,  springing 
forward,  she  said — 

"  This  Hero,  who  knows  better  than  thou  the 
dancing  of  the  Romans,  will  bestow  something 
on  thee  when  thou  answerest  him  one  question, 
What  dress  does  thy  monster  wear  when  thou 
era  vest  gifts  among  the  Romans  ? " 

The  man  took  the  silver,  looked  with  fear  at 
Ingo,  and  answered  the  maiden  insolently,  "  I 


INGO.  Ill 

know  that  the  greeting  of  the  Vandals  is  dan. 
gerous  and  rough ;  but  1  tell  thee  that  he  who  will 
please  the  Romans  in  the  dance  must  dance  naked. 
What  my  ape  does  there  I  counsel  to  thee  also." 

Frida  called  out  to  him,  angrily,  "I  suppose 
that  among  foreigners  thy  dancing  cat  derides 
the  warriors  of  my  people  as  he  does  the  foreign 
ones  among  us." 

Then  the  men  nodded,  and  turned  laughing 
away  from  the  juggler.  But  Ingo  went  up  to 
him,  and  asked,  "  How  knowest  thou  that  I  am  a 
Vandal?" 

"  Thou  bearest  it  clearly  enough  on  thy  head," 
replied  the  man,  pointing  to  Ingo's  cap,  in  which 
were  placed  three  wing-feathers  of  the  wild 
swan.  "  Scarcely  a  week  has  passed  since  I  have 
suffered  among  the  Burgundians  sharp  chastise- 
ment from  thy  feathers." 

Ingo's  countenance  changed ;  he  seized  the  man 
hastily  by  the  arm,  and  took  him  aside.  "  How 
many  were  there  who  wore  this  token  ? " 

"  More  than  ten,  and  less  than  thirty,"  replied 
the  man.  "  They  gave  me  hard  words  because  my 
little  one  there  danced  with  goose's  feathers,  and 
they  threatened  me  with  blows." 

"  Was  he  who  chid  thee  an  old  warrior,  with  a 
grey  beard,  and  a  scar  upon  his  forehead  ? " 


112  INGO. 

"  Thou  describcst  him  as  he  was ;  he  had  alsc 
rude  manners." 

Irmgard  saw  that  the  Hero  had  difficulty  in 
concealing  his  emotion;  he  separated  hiin.M-K 
from  the  others,  and  went  alone  back  to  the 
house. 

Shortly  afterwards,  Volkmar,  as  king's  messen- 
ger, entered  the  house.  Ingo  received  him  as  a 
friend,  whom  he  had  anxiously  expected;  he 
heard  his  message,  and  led  him  to  the  Prince; 
then  the  three  held  confidential  council 

"  The  King  has  invited  me,"  said  Ingo,  "  and 
he  has  promised  me  safety.  Whatever  the 
thought  of  his  heart  may  be,  it  becomes  me  to 
accept  his  invitation.  Only  one  thing  restrains 
me,  and  with  shame  I  speak  it  out :  I  ought  not 
to  enter  the  court  of  the  King  as  a  needy  man ; 
thou  knowest,  O  my  lord,  how  I  came  to  thee." 

The  Prince  replied,  embarrassed,  "Horse  and 
dress  shall  not  be  wanting  to  thee,  O  Hero,  and 
Wolf  shall  accompany  thee  as  chamberlain ;  yet 
I  do  not  advise  thee  to  trust  to  the  words  of  the 
King,  and  venture  thyself  under  the  axes  of  his 
body-guard,  for  thou  mightest  vanish,  without  a 
trace,  behind  the  stone  walls.  This  journey 
would  be  an  inglorious  end  for  a  Hero." 

Volkmar  also  spoke :  "  It  becomes  thee,  Hero 


INGO.  113 

Ingo,  to  regard  danger  little ;  thou  knowest,  in* 
deed,  that  boldness  sometimes  prospers  best  with 
a  man.  But  if  thou  accept  the  King's  invita- 
tion, as  thou  wilt,  thou  shouldst  never  go  as  a 
single  wanderer.  To  the  King  and  his  retinue 
thou  wouldst  be  contemptible,  and  unworthy 
would  be  thy  treatment,  even  if  the  King  should 
not  attempt  thy  life.  For  at  Kings'  courts  it  is 
the  style  alone  that  gives  distinction  to  a  hero — 
his  stately  dresses,  horses,  and  retinue.  Therefore 
before  thou  goest  to  the  King  thou  must  obtain 
all  these.  But  if  these  forest  men  follow  thee, 
thou  wilt  be  hateful  to  the  King." 

"  Thou  speakest  well,  Volkmar,  in  all  respects," 
replied  Ingo.  "  If  thou  wilt  venture  thyself  back 
under  the  eyes  of  the  King,  tell  him  that  I  am 
thankful  for  his  royal  message,  and  that  I  will 
appear  before  him  as  soon  as  I  am  equipped  as 
his  and  my  honour  demand." 

"I. will  bear  the  answer,"  answered  Volkmar; 
"and  I  hope  to  be  able  to  spring  nimbly  aside 
when  he  throws  his  drinking-cup  at  me." 

Herr  Answald  gave  also  his  assent ;  for  he  was 
secretly  annoyed  at  the  demand  of  the  King, 
though  he  manfully  concealed  his  anxiety. 

When  Ingo  and  Volkmar  were  alone,  Ingo 
began,  "He  who  has  given  one  piece  of  good 

8 


INGO. 

advice,  may  probably  give  a  second.  Thou 
seest  that  I  ana  like  a  child  that  has  been  caught 
out  of  the  water,  and  placed  newly  in  the  world. 
Here  the  people  are  kind-hearted,  but  they 
seldom  make  warlike  expeditions.  Look  about, 
thou  faithful  comrade,  and  find  out  where  there 
is  respectable  work  for  a  good  sword." 

"Wait  only  a  little,"  answered  Volkmar, 
laughing;  "and  meanwhile  take  pleasure  in 
hearing  the  noble  maid,  Irmgard,  sing  my  dance 
before  thee,  for  she  is  well  practised  in  song  and 
in  my  instrument.  If  I  hear  of  any  honourable 
campaign,  thou  shalt  learn  it;  but  thou  knowest 
that  in  autumn  home  entices  the -warrior;  tho 
spring  is  the  time  for  warlike  excursions." 

"And  now  hear  further,"  continued  Ingo,  "a 

*  O     * 

thought  that  has  come  across  me  as  I  lay  sleep- 
less in  the  night.  The  leap  into  the  Rhine 
separated  me  from  my  men;  the  Roman  band 
dispersed  in  pursuit  of  me  like  a  rush  of  water 
over  a  country ;  the  Priestess  concealed  me  with 
care  till  she  sent  me  north  wards;  at  my  departure 
she  promised  to  seek  my  comrades  who  had 
stood  by  me  at  the  boat.  Lately  I  have  heard 
from  a  travelling  juggler,  that  some  warriors  of 
my  people  have  during  this  month  encamped 
among  the  Burgundians ;  one  of  them,  it  seems  to 


INGO.  115 

me,  is  Berthar,  whom  thou  knowest.  "If  thou 
hast  a  kindly  feeling  for  me,  Volkmar,  enquire, 
when  thou  canst,  concerning  my  trusty  friend  ; 
for  however  well  disposed  towards  me  many 
are  who  here  live  around  me,  I  cannot  be  happy 
till  I  know  whether  any  of  my  comrades  have 
escaped  the  weapons  of  the  Romans." 

The  minstrel  nodded,  and  turned  to  depart. 
"  The  Master  of  this  house  feels  kindly  towards 
thee  ;  but  the  minds  of  men  are  changeable,  and 
may  soon  become  weary  of  a  man  who  stands 
alone.  Thou  hast  honoured  me  with  thy  con- 
fidence, as  thou  before  saidst  when  thou  didst 
raise  me  out .  of  the  water.  Therefore  I  beg  of 
thee  a  favour.  Once  thou  gavest  me  this  gold 
ring ;  take  it  back  now,  0  my  lord,  that  I  may 
show  thee  my  truth ;  thou  wilt  bestow  far  more 
on  me  later,  if  the  Gods  send  thee  good  fortune. 
The  ring  wih1  procure  thee  a  horse  and  dress,  or 
gain  thee  a  helpful  companion." 

"  I  would  rather  borrow  from  thee  than  from 
any  other,"  replied  Ingo ;  "but  thou  knowest  a 
warrior  does  not  go  without  gold  to  the  battle. 
What  Berthar  handed  over  to  me  on  that  day 
when  I  lost  him,  that  I  still  conceal  in  my  dress, 
in  order  that  my  body  should  not  lie  lonely  on 
the  heath ;  for  any  one  finding  the  gold  on  mo 


116  INGO. 

would  in  gratitude  esteem  me  worthy  of  honour- 
able burial." 

"  Then,  Hero,  think  also  prudently  of  the  living; 
and  if  I  may  venture  to  advise  thee,  give  of  it  to 
the  maiden  Frida ;  for  they  whisper  in  the  house, 
that  she  tore  off  a  silver  bell  for  thee  in  order  to 
please  her  mistress ;  and  bestow  something  also 
on  Wolf,  thy  chamberlain,  that  he  may  not  be 
despised  by  the  others  because  he  serves  a  poor 
master.  Do  not  be  angiy  that  I  speak  to  thru 
as  a  trusty  friend  ;  but  he  who  is  accustomed 
to  receive  favour  knows  well  how  to  win  it." 

Ingo  reached  his  hand  to  him,  laughing.  "  It  is 
only  to  thee  that  I  offer  nothing,"  he  said ;  "  for  I 
willingly  remain  in  thy  debt." 

"And  I  in  thine,  so  long  as  I  breathe,"  said 
Volkmar ;  then  greeting  him,  respectfully  bowed 
as  he  left  the  threshold. 

Ingo  followed  the  advice  of  his  trusty  friend. 
As  he  placed  two  gold-pieces,  on  which  the  pic- 
ture of  the  great  Roman  Emperor  Constant iuu 
was  to  be  seen,  in  the  hands  of  his  chamberlain, 
ho  observed,  by  the  happy  face  of  the  man  and 
his  warm  thanks,  how  valuable  such  a  thing  was 
among  the  forest  people.  And  after  the  repast, 
lie,  in  the  presence  of  all,  stepped  up  to  Irmgard, 
and  .said — • 


INGO.  117 

"Thy  companion,  Frida,  has,  with  the  silver 
she  gave  to  the  juggler,  procured  for  me  good 
tidings;  gladly  would  I  show  my  gratitude  to 
her,  and  I  beg  of  thee,  noble  maiden,  to  give  back 
by  these  coins  her  gift." 

Then  the  foreign  gold  passed  from  hand  to 
hand  among  the  women ;  the  Prince  and  all  those 
who  had  a  kindly  feeling  for  him  rejoiced  that 
the  guest  had  comported  himself  as  became  his 
dignity,  and  Ingo  remarked,  from  the  sudden  zeal 
of  the  men,  that  their  good-will  became  more 
active  since  they  could  hope  for  something  good 
for  themselves. 

But  Ingo  sought  for  a  gift  for  her  who  was 
dear  to  him.  As  Irmgard  was  standing  under 
the  elder  bush  near  the  court,  he  stepped  hastily 
towards  her ;  she  heard  his  steps,  but  she  did  not 
turn  round,  so  that  no  one  could  perceive  the  joy 
on  her  countenance.  Thus,  turned  away  from 
the  others,  their  eyes  met;  and  this  time  neither 
of  them  heard  the  night  songstress,  who  upon  a 
branch  was  mournfully  telling  her  children  of 
her  departure.  Ingo  began  speaking  in  a  low 
tone. 

"  Once  upon  a  time,  Schwanhild,  the  ancestress 
of  my  family,  flew  in  the  feather  iress  of  a  swan 
over  the  earth ;  since  then  the  last  wing-feathers 


118  INGO. 

of  the  swan  have  been  the  holy  token  which  tin 
men  and  women  of  my  race  bear  on  their  helmets 
and  frontlets,  when  they  are  festively  adorned. 
\Ve  endeavour  to  rob  living  birds  of  their 
feathers ;  for  to  kill  a  swan  is  a  crime  among  my 
people.  To-day  I  have  succeeded  in  gaining  this 
ornament.  To  thee,  friend,  I  offer  it,  if  thou 
wilt  accept  and  keep  it.  On  the  quill  I  have 
scratched  the  mark  whereby  I  denote  what  is 
mine." 

Irmgard  was  frightened ;  she  guessed  that  he 
offered  her  through  the  feathers  what  he  dared 
not  say  in  words,  and  she  asked  uncertainly, 
"  How  shall  that  be  mine  which  is  thine  ? " 

The  man  answered  with  deep  emotion,  "  I 
only  love  life  because  I  know  a  noble  maiden 
who  will  at  some,  time  bear  this  token  on  her 
head  before  all  the  world."  And  he  again  held 
the  ornament  to  her.  Then  Irmgard  took  the 
feather,  and  concealed  it  in  her  dre*s.  His  hand 
just  slightly  touched  hers,  but  she  felt  the  touch 
in  her  inmost  heart. 

"  Irmgard ! "  cried  out  the  Princess  from  the 
house,  in  a  tone  of  command. 

The  two  exchanged  one  more  hearty  greeting 
with  their  eyjs,  and  the  noble  maiden  thun 
hastened  to  the  house. 


INGO.  119 

"  What  did  the  stranger  say  to  thee  just  now  ? " 
began  the  mother  to  her  daughter;  "his  hand 
touched  thine,  and  I  saw  a  blush  on  thy  cheeks." 

"  He  showed  me  the  wing-feather  of  a  bird, 
which  is  the  mark  of  recognition  of  his  race 
when  the  heroes  bear  it  on  their  heads,"  answered 
Irmgard ;  but  again  a  tell-tale  blush  passed  over 
her  cheeks. 

"I  once  heard  a  fool  who  raised  her  voice 
aloud  in  the  hall  of  the  men,  so  that  all  remained 
silent,  as  the  forest  songsters  are  silent  when  a 
young  cuckoo  begins  its  cooing." 

"  Was  it  presumptuous  in  me  to  point  him 
out  ?  it  was  not  indecorous ;  my  heart  was  full, 
and  my  friends  will  forgive  me;  do  not  thou, 
mother,  be  angry  with  me." 

But  the  Princess  continued,  "  It  gives  me  no 
pleasure  to  see  the  stranger  remaining  at  our 
hearth.  It  becomes  the  master  of  the  house  to 
be  hospitable  to  suppliants,  but  the  mistress  of 
the  house  must  hold  the  keys  with  a  firm  hand, 
that  the  property  may  not  be  squandered;  and 
she  guards  her  poultry-yard,  that  the  martens 
may  not  make  their  way  in.  If  the  stranger  by 
his  leap  over  the  horses  thought  to  leap  into  the 
inheritance  of  my  lord,  into  provision-chamber 
and  kitchen,  his  bold  spirit  will  little  avail  him. 


120  INGO. 

But  thou,  as  thou  art  ray  daughter,  sliouldst  keep 
at  a  distance  from  one  who  lives  as  a  wild  man, 
homeless,  banished,  and  as  poor  as  the  travelling 
beggar  who  begs  for  alms  at  our  gate." 

Irmgard  raised  herself  up  proudly.  "  Of  whom 
dost  thou  speak,  Princess  ?  Dost  thou  mean  the 
Hero  to  whom  the  master  of  the  house  has 
offered  the  seat  of  honour  ?  The  innocent  one, 
who  came  to  us  in  confidence  upon  the  oath  of 
my  father  ?  I  have  heard  that  the  father  of  my 
father  mixed  in  a  holy  drink  drops  of  his  blood 
with  the  blood  of  a  King's  race,  that  their 
descendants  might  keep  love  and  honour  to  one 
another.  If  the  son  of  that  King  is  a  stranger 
to  others,  in  the  house  of  my  grandfather  none 
ought  to  call  him  so ;  thou  thyself  least  of  all." 

"  As  I  hear  thy  insolent  speech,"  exclaimed  the 
mother,  "the  old  sorrow  revives  in  my  heart, 
that  thy  brother  is  no  longer  among  the  living. 
On  the  unhappy  day  on  which  he  was  slain  by 
one  of  the  King's  men,  thou  becamest  the  only 
child  of  my  care,  and  ill  thou  rewardest  thy 
mother  for  her  trouble." 

"  Were  my  brother  alive,  he  also  would  desire, 
as  the  highest  honour,  to  be  the  companion  in 
war  of  the  Hero  whom  thou  insultest  as  a  bcgijnr." 

"Since  thy  brother  has   vanished   from    this 


INGO.  llM 

earth,  thou  liast  become  the  inheritor  of  tlii.s 
country,  and  thy  mother  has  to  consider  to  whom 
thy  father  should  marry  thee." 

"If  I  am  the  inheritor  in  this  house,  I  am  also 
an  inheritor  of  alliance  duties  and  sworn  oaths; 
and  I  intend  to  keep  them  truly.  I  have  never 
refused  honour  to  thy  kindred — neither  to  uncle 
Sintram,  nor  to  thy  nephew  Theodulf,  whatever 
I  may  think  of  them  in  my  heart;  but  thou 
must  not  blame  me  if  I  also  show  love  to  those 
who  are  friends  of  my  father's  family." 

"  Be  silent,  thou  stubborn  one,"  answered  the . 
mother,  angrily ;  "  too  long  has  the  Prince's  will 
kept  thee  at  home ;  it  is  time  that  thy  haughty 
spirit  should  be  controlled  by  marriage." 

As  the  Princess  left  the  room,  Irmgard  stood 
with  looks  transfixed,  holding  her  hands  clasped 
closely  together. 

"  The  Princess  speaks  harshly  to  the  maidens," 
began  Frida,  entering ;  "  in  the  milk-cellar  the 
cream  is  turned." 

"  She  is  severe  also  against  others,"  answered 
Irmgard,  with  difficulty  striving  for  words.  "  Be 
thou  true  to  me,  for  I  have  no  one  whom  I  can 
trust  but  thee,  if  thou  hast  courage  to  bear  the 
displeasure  of  the  Princess." 

"  I  am  a  free  woman ;  and  I  have  promised  tc> 


IKGO. 

be  a  companion  to  thee,  not  to  the  mistress  of 
the  house;  and  for  thy  sake  I  remain  in  the 
Prince's  house,  although  my  father  desires  to 
have  me  at  home.  Many  a  time  have  we  over- 
come the  anger  of  the  Princess,  as,  believe  me,  we 
shall  also  do  now,  conceding  what  afflicts  thee." 

"  My  mother  has  become  angry  with  our  guest, 
to  whom  at  first  she  was  so  kindly  disposed,  and 
I  fear  he  will  not  be  properly  cared  for ;  as  when 
the  mistress  does  not  give  directions  the  maul  n-, 
are  careless." 

"  Thou  mayest  be  free  from  anxiety,  as  young 
Wolf  is  his  chamberlain.  If  I  gave  the  boy  per- 
mission, he  would  tell  me  more  of  his  master  than 
we  wish  to  hear." 

"Let  me  hear  every  thing,"  said  Irmgard;  "  for 
it  is  well  to  know  what  guests  need." 

"  And  we  shall  learn  easily  from  one  and  ano- 
ther," cried  Frida,  laughing.  "  Far  better  do  I 
like  the  guest  than  the  water-heron  Theodulf,  who 
carries  his  head  so  proudly.  And  this  I  say  to 
thee, — when  Theodulf  s  wooers  come  to  the  hot; 
and  assent  is  given  to  their  coming,  then  shall 
they  find  a  broom  in  front  of  the  door  at  which 
they  go  out,  that  they  may  guess  what  we 
inaidfiis  think  of  their  wooing." 

After  these  bold  words  Irmgard  concealed  her 


STATE  mm- 

INGO.  ittAn* 


face  with  her  hands;  tears  ran  through  her  fingers; 
her  whole  body  shook  with  anguish. 

Frida  embraced  the  princely  girl  in  her  arms, 
and  knelt  down  before  her,  giving  her  kisses  and 
tender  words. 

It  did  not  happen  accidentally  that,  a  short 
time  after  the  conversation  between  mother  and 
daughter,  the  Hero  Sintram  rode  up  to  the  house. 
In  the  room  of  the  Princess  he  sat  long  with  the 
Host  in  confidential  converse  ;  he  was  conferring 
once  again  on  the  subject  of  the  wooing  of  his 
relation,  Theodulf  ;  for  so  long  as  this  nobleman 
was  bound  as  a  court  attendant  and  by  oath 
of  service  to  the  Prince,  the  formal  wooing 
could  not  take  place.  But  on  the  twelfth  night 
of  the  New  Year  the  Prince  was  to  release  him 
from  his  oath;  then  Theodulf  would  make  his 
entrance  as  a  free  wooer,  and  the  marriage  might 
take  place  in  the  spring.  All  was  determined  — 
even  the  bridal  presents  and  dowry  —  and  the 
Princess  advised  that  the  men  should  renew  to 
each  other  their  old  promise  concerning  this 
secret  arrangement.  Sintrain  smiled  with  plea- 
sure as  he  again  mounted  his  horse,  and  when 
the  Host  led  him  out  of  the  door,  and  there 
unobservantly  took  leave  with  a  warm  pressure  of 
the  hand,  the  departing  guest  altogether  despised 


124  INGO. 

the  broom  which  the  angry  Frida  had  placed  l>v 
the  side  of  the  door;  Theodulf  only,  who  had 
come  up  at  the  departure,  gave  the  broom  a  kick 
with  his  foot  that  sent  it  a  long  way  off,  and  cast 
on  Frida  in  the  court  a  look  full  of  bitter  hatred. 
Thus  passed,  with  ardent  sun  and  storms,  the 
glad  summer.  The  fields  were  cleared,  and  the 
country  folk  were  sociable.  The  more  distin- 
guished houses  of  the  district  desired  in  succes- 
sion to  entertain  the  guest ;  banquets  alternated 
with  hunting  expeditions  over  the  forest  hills; 
and  the  Prince  and  Ingo  were  now  seldom*  at 
home.  To  the  Prince  the  value  of  the  gu<--t 
became  still  greater  when  he  saw  in  what  repute 
he  was  held  by  the  principal  men  of  the  district, 
and  how  distinguished  and  right-minded  he 
showed  himself.  Of  the  anxieties  in  the  apart- 
ments of  the  ladies  the  master  of  the  house 
observed  nothing ;  the  prudent  Hostess  was  silent 
as  to  what  might  disturb  the  thoughts  of  her 
lord ;  she  was  contented  that  the  Hero  should 
roam  away  for  weeks  together.  But  Ingo  per- 
ceived that  Irmgard  looked  serious,  and  he  \\a> 
angry  that  it  was  so  difficult  for  him  to  speak  to 
her  without  witnesses. 

Once  Ingo  rode  with  the  Prince  to  the  same 
spot   which    he    trod    when    he  first  came    u\ei 


INGO.  125 

the  mountain.  In  the  forest  yellow  leaves  flut- 
tered to  the  ground;  through  the  openings  sounded 
the  hunting  calls  of  the  men  and  the  deep  cry  of 
the  hounds.  The  well-fed  cattle  ran  bellowing 
about ;  the  herdsmen  prepared  for  the  outburst 
from  the  wilderness  into  the  villages;  and  the 
maidens  from  the  Prince's  house  were  again 
occupied  in  lifting  into  the  waggon  the  last  loa«l 
from  the  milk-cellar.  Whilst  Herr  Answald  was 
watching  the  abundance,  Ingo  stood  next  to 
Irmgard.  The  latter  pointed  to  Frida,  who  was 
passing  by  with  a  milk -jug.  "  From  this  source 
thou  didst  quaff  thy  first  drink  with  us,  and 
there,  where  thou  standest,  I  saw  thee  for  the 
first  time.  Since  then  the  cheerful  green  has 
disappeared,  and  the  wild  birds  have  flown  away." 

"  From  thy  countenance  also  joy  has  vanished," 
replied  Ingo,  tenderly. 

But  Irmgard  continued,  "  Happy  once  were  the 
exalted  women  who  in  feather  dresses  soared 
along  wherever  their  wishes  led  them.  I  know 
a  maiden  who  stands  by  the  torrent,  and  longs 
for  the  heavenly  power.  She  would  like  to 
work  two  feather  garments  for  the  swan  and  his 
mate ;  but  vain  is  the  wish,  and  she  gazes 
sorrowfully  after  them,  when  the  feathered  flock 
soar  from  their  fields  into  the  distance." 


126 

"Confide  in  me,"  said  Ingo  in  a  low  tone; 
"  what  disturbs  thy  mind  ?  " 

Irmgard'  was  silent.  "The  day  will  como 
when  others  will  tell  thee,  not  I,"  she  at  last 
answered.  "If  thou  tarry  with  us  during  the 
winter,  I  do  not  fear  what  anxieties  it  may 
bring " 

The  conversation  was  interrupted  by  wild  shouts 
ami  a  foreign  war-cry.  Ingo  rushed  out;  as 
before  in  the  hall,  his  countenance  lighted  up  with 
joy,  whilst  the  other  men  sprang  up  in  a  body, 
and  seized  their  weapons. 

"They  come  in  peace,"  exclaimed  Bero's 
daughter;  "  my  father  rides  among  them."  She 
pointed  to  a  troop  of  horsemen  who,  rejoicing 
and  swinging  their  spears,  were  rushing  down 
from  the  height.  Ingo  hastened  towards  them; 
the  riders  sprang  down,  and  surrounded  the  Hero ; 
they  held  his  arms,  bent  over  his  hands,  and 
clasped  his  knees.  Again  and  again  sounded  tin: 
wild  cry  of  jubilee,  Ingo  called  each  individual  by 
name,  and  embraced  and  kissed  them,  while  tears 
fell  from  his  eyes.  His  looks  wandered  from  one 
to  the  other  in  vain  search  ;  for  all  did  not  st;in«l 
alive  before  him  whom  he  had  hoped  to  greet. 
And  yet  the  happiness  of  that  hour  was  so  great 
that  he  and  the  strangers  long  forgot  tKe  presence 


INGO.  127 

of  the  others.  The  Prince's  men,  who  had  been 
drawn  out  of  the  forest  by  the  war-cry,  gathered 
round  him :  tears  were  in  his  eyes  also,  and  in 
those  of  the  noble  maiden,  and  they  listened 
with  absorbing  interest  to  the  rapid  questions 
and  answers,  laughings  and  lamentations,  of  the 
strangers.  Bero  looked  upon  the  troop  more 
calmly,  whilst  he  told  the  Prince,  "  I  had  ridden 
south  wards  over  our  mountains,  down  as  far  as 
Idisbach,  where  the  small  people,  the  Marvingians, 
dwell,  and  as  I  was  dealing  with  the  people  there 
about  a  herd  of  cattle,  I  fell  in  with  this  flight  of 
wild  geese,  who  were  seeking  for  their  goose 
leader.  I  knew  about  them,  and  as  their  active 
manners  pleased  me,  I  brought  them  here." 

Ingo  approached  the  Prince.  "Forgive,  O 
Prince,  if  we  in  our  joy  have  forgotten  to  seek 
for  thy  favour.  These  men  are  banished,  like 
myself;  for  my  sake  they  abandoned  their 
loved  home,  and  they  also  have  neither  parents 
nor  friends;  but  to  one  another  we  are  blood- 
brothers  for  life  and  death,  and  our  pride  is,  that 
we  honour  one  another,  and  share  fortune  and 
misfortune,  as  long  as  we  remain  homeless  wan- 
derers on  the  earth.  On  their  true  hearts  alone 
rests  the  throne  of  the  poor  Ingo;  where  they  lay 
their  heads  down,  there  must  his  also  repose. 


128  itfco. 

Thou  hast  received  me  kindly;  but  now  I  have 
!<•(•<  >me  a  host,  and  I  am  uncertain  what  thy 
views  may  be  about  me." 

"  They  are  all  welcome,"  exclaimed  Hen 
Answald,  with  warmth  of  heart ;  "  the  manor  is 
large,  and  the  barns  are  full :  a  greeting  to  you, 
noble  guests." 

"But  I  advise,"  interposed  Bero,  cautiousty, 
"  that  thou,  Chieftain  of  the  district,  shouldst 
divide  the  strangers  among  the  villages.  All  the 
neighbours  will  receive  them  willingly  as  guests ; 
then  every  one  will  have  his  share,  and  none  will 
be  burdened.  For  they  lead  also  with  cords 
horses  gained  as  booty — among  them  capital 
animals ;  see  this  grey,  my  lord  !  many  a  neigh- 
bour would  be  pleased  to  purchase  a  horse,  and 
to  listen  in  the  winter  at  the  hearth-fire  to  the 
warlike  adventures  of  the  strangers." 

Herr  Answald  laughed,  but  he  replied  eagerly, 
,'Thou  thinkest  rightly,  Bero;  but  the  House 
rnnst  have  the  first  right,  and  this  time,  neigh- 
bour, it  must  not  be  taken  from  it.  You  guests 
will  lodge  in  the  sleeping-room  with  my  boys; 
there  you  may  remain  sheltered  from  the  winter 
storms." 

"  My  intention  was  good,"  said  -Bero.  "  Lead 
my  brown  horse  here,  Frida."  He  approached  an 


INGO.  129 

old  warrior  among  the  Vandals,  gave  him  his 
hand,  and  said,  "Remember  our  conversation. 
You  stand  now  on  the  Prince's  ground ;  if  any  of 
you  should  at  a  future  time  desire  to  be  under  the 
roof  of  the  peasant,  you  will  be  welcome  on  the 
free  moor."  He  spoke  a  few  more  words  to  his 
daughter,  then  sprang  upon  his  horse,  and  giving 
a  last  greeting,  trotted  along  the  valley. 

Ingo  now  led  his  comrades  one  by  one  up  to 
the  Master  of  the  house,  giving  their  names. 
Foremost  stood  an  aged  warrior,  whose  limbs 
seemed  cast  in  bronze;  his  features  were  marked, 
his  look  bold,  and  his  long  grey  beard  hung  down 
— a  hero  who  one  could  see  was  accustomed  to 
battles,  and  hardened  against  every  danger. 

"  This  is  Berthar,  a  noble  man.  He  led  me, 
when  I  was  a  boy,  under  the  protection  of  his 
shield,  from  his  burning  house,  my  last  place  of 
refuge  within  the  boundary  of  my  country :  the 
Burgundians,  who  were  then  in  alliance  with  my 
uncle,  had  set  fire  to  it ;  since  then  he  has  been 
my  teacher  in  all  warlike  work  ;  as  a  father  he 
has  guarded  my  youth  ;  I  have  to  thank  him  if  I 
have  not  been  unworthy  of  my  ancestors." 

As  Herr  Answald  offered  his  hand  to  the  Hero, 
he  answered :  "  I  remember  the  day  when  my 
father  entertained  thine  at  his  house ;  it  was  an 

9 


130  IXGO. 

autumn  day  like  to-day,  andtVere  had  been  good 
sport  on  tin.-  mountains  which  we  call  the  giant 
mountains.  I  killed  the  first  boar,  and  Hero 
Innfried  invited  me  jokingly  to  hunt  in  the 
forest  hills  of  Thuringia.  I  have  journeyed 
long,  and  white  hairs  appeared  on  my  head 
before  I  entered  thy  precincts ;  but  now  I  am 
here,  O  my  lord,  and  ready,  if  thou  permit  me, 
to  follow  thee  on  the  hunting- path." 

This  speech  delighted  the  Prince ;  he  also  named 
his  companions  to  the  stranger,  according  to  their 
rank,  and  desired  both  parties  to  be  good  com- 
rades to  each  other.  Then  he  rode  forward  with 
Irmgard,  in  order  that  Ingo  might  have  confi- 
dential talk  with  his  restored  friends.  And 
when  the  Vandals  were  again  alone,  they  once 
more  raised  their  acclamations,  and  rode  together 
in  joyful  tumult.  Again  questions  and  answers 
passed  to  and  fro,  till  Berthar  led  the  troop  to 
the  house.  It  was  difficult  to  keep  the  rank,  for 
the  faithful  friends  were  ever  pressing  round 
their  lord,  and  their  cries  echoed  from  the  moun- 
tains. Ingo  on  the  way  said  to  Berthar — 

"  It  is  like  a  miracle  to  me  that  1  hold  thy 
hand,  my  father.  But  thou  must  again  t<  11  mo 
everything — how  you  were  all  saved  from  the 
battle,  and  found  mo." 


INGO.  ]31 

"  The  master  went  along  the  path  of  the  fishes," 
began  Berthar,  laughing ;  "  his  retinue  followed 
him.  We  struck  in  our  retreat  many  sword- 
strokes  against  the  pursuing  bands,  till  I  spied  out 
a  place  on  the  bank  for  a  leap;  like  frogs  thy  boys 
hopped  into  the  Rhine — not  all,  my  lord ;  thou 
thinkest  also  of  those  who  are  missing  to-day. 
On  our  linden  shields  we  struggled  down  in  din; 
distress,  the  arrows  of  the  enemy  buzzing  about 
us.  Then  a  friendly  God  sent  us  help.  A  willow 
stem — a  strong  trunk,  with  roots  and  branches — 
drove  slowly  along  the  stream ;  sheltering  the 
weary  ones,  and  drawing  it  with  us,  we  directed 
it  downwards  from  the  Roman  bank;  thus  w«; 
went  on  in  a  thick  crowd,  mixed  with  flying 
warriors  of  the  Aleinanni,  like  a  shoal  of  eels 
swarming  about  a  dead  animal.  When  we  who 
were  saved  had  climbed  up  the  bank  on  tlie 
opposite  side  of  the  river,  we  concealed  ourselves 
in  a  thick  forest,  and  enquired  every  night  in  the 
valleys  for  news  of  thee.  We  thought  to  show 
the  last  service  to  our  master,  and  to  stand  round 
his  last  resting-place.  But  vain  was  all  our 
search  and  enquiry ;  none  of  the  fugitives  had 
beheld  thy  face.  Then,  pressed  by  the  Roman 
army,  we  sorrowfully  struck  across  the  Black 
Forest,  into  the  country  of  the  Bur^undians. 


132  INGO. 

When  we  were  led  by  the  Burgundian  sentinels 
into  the  presence  of  their  king,  Gundomar,  the 
fame  of  thy  leap  had  already  reached  him, 
and  he  imagined  thee  to  have  been  taken  up  to 
the  hall  of  the  Gods.  He  had  been  an  enemy  to 
thee,  but  now  he  sighed  when  I  mentioned  thy 
name ;  he  thought  of  thy  virtue,  and  was  averse 
to  deliver  us  bound  to  the  Romans.  He  begged 
us  to  follow  his  army  in  an  expedition  which  ho 
was  preparing  to  make  to  the  East,  against  the 
March  people  on  the  Danube.  We  were  in  great 
want  of  horses  and  dresses,  and  we  were  like 
jackdaws  among  mice,  longing  for  booty.  There- 
fore we  accompanied  him,  and  it  succeeded  well 
with  us;  thy  boys  obtained  good  horses,  and  went 
stately  along  with  filled  bags.  Last  month  we 
were  lying  one  evening  on  the  banks  of  the 
Danube.  The  Burgundians  collected  the  booty, 
drank  jovially,  and  chattered,  as  they  like  to  do, 
with  Roman  traders  and  jugglers  who  had 
hastened  thither  for  gain  and  gifts.  But  thy  boys 
were  sad  at  heart,  and  looked  at  the  dry  leaves 
driving  along  in  the  autumn  wind.  Then  a 
traveller  came  to  me,  and  began  with  a  greet- 
ing. 

" '  If  it  please  thee,  Hero,  I  will  tell  -thee  a 
riddle,  if  thou  canst  find  an  answer:     "Who 


INGO.  133 

swung  the  minstrel  into  the  boat  ?  Who  ducked 
under  spears  like  a  miraculous  swan  ?  '" 

"  I  was  startled,  and  answered,  '  King  Ingo 
swung  Volkmar  into  the  boat,  and  the  King 
vanished  into  the  stream  like  a  miraculous  swan  ! ' 

"  Then  answered  the  stranger,  '  Tis  thou  whom 
I  seek,  and  I  have  wandered  far  for  that,  as  the 
messenger  of  my  comrade.  Now,  as  I  have  found 
thee,  hear  the  second  message  that  Volkmar 
sends  thee  :  "  The  guardian  of  the  swans  sits  in 
Irmfried's  hall ;  the  fugitive  tarries  by  the  hearth 
of  the  Thuringian." ' 

"  Then  we  became  more  joyful  than  I  can  say, 
for  we  understood  what  the  name  of  Irmf'ried 
signified.  King  Gundomar  wished  to  keep  us, 
but  I  begged  him  to  allow  of  our  return  home. 
But  I  did  not  tell  him  that  the  home  of  thy  boys 
is  where  the  person  of  their  master  throws  its 
shadow." 

"Poor  boys! "  said  Ingo,  gloomily.  "The  shadow 
has  become  small;  it  covers  no  more  than  the 
track  of  your  feet." 

"  But  a  new  sun  rises  for  thee,"  said  the  old 
man,  consolingly,  "which  will  cast  thy  shadow 
over  the  breadth  of  the  land.  Now  it  is  neces- 
sary that  the  weary  boys  shall  find  a  refuge 
against  the  winter  storm.  As  soon  as  the  buds 


1 34  INGO. 

begin  to  swell  on  the  tr^es  we  will  accompany 
thee  on  some  new  heroic  expedition.  Tell  me, 
(.')  King,  whether  the  roofs  which  I  see  before 
me  will  .shield  us  well  during  the  winter." 

"  May  the  Gods  graciously  so  dispose  it ! " 
replied  Ingo,  earnestly.  "I  have  found  more 
happiness  here  than  I  expected,  and  less  security 
than  I  hoped." 

The  door  of  the  Prince's  house  was  opened 
wide ;  the  Host  received  the  strangers,  and  accom- 
panied them  to  the  hall:  there  the  greeting 
repast  was  prepared,  and  the  Vandals  were  dis- 
tributed amongst  the  Prince's  men  on  the  bench. 
The  following  morning  there  began  an  active 
hammering  and  lifting;  from  the  provision-  i.f 
planks  and  rafters,  which  lay  in  high  piles  in 
the  courtyard,  a  sleeping-room  was  prepared  by 
Ingo's  house,  and  beside  it  a  provisional  enclo- 
sure for  the  horses.  After  a  few  days  the 
building  was  erected,  for  great  was  the  number 
of  helping  hands.  The  neighbours  also  came, 
greeted  the  strangers,  and  examined  the  great 
string  of  unemployed  horses;  they  bought  and 
exchanged,  and  took  their  own  to  winter  fodder 
instead  of  the  strangers'  horses,  which  they 
retained.  Around  the  quiet  Prince's  court  there 
was  now  the  jovial  crowding  of  the  district 


INGO.  135 

people,  and  the  tumult  of  men  and  horses ;  the 
lofty  figures  of  the  Vandals  walked  in  theii 
foreign  warrior  dress  amongst  the  houses,  and  lay 
near  the  Prince's  men  on  the  steps  of  the  hall 
carelessly  laughing  and  willingly  relating  what 
the  customs  of  their  race  were.  They  went  with 
the  Prince's  retainers  into  the  forest,  and  rode  as 
welcome  guests  among  the  villages  of  the  district 

But  the  masters  in  the  house  observed  after  a 
few  weeks  that  it  was  difficult  to  keep  the  peace 
among  their  followers ;  for  the  young  men  were 
proud  and  hasty  in  their  anger,  and  the  old 
watched  jealously  the  honour  of  their  masters 
Thus  Radgai  the  Vandal,  and  Agino,  a  wild 
fellow  of  the  house,  quarrelled  with  one  another, 
because  the  Vandal  had  given  an  ornament  to 
a  maiden  of  the  village  who  smiled  upon  him. 
On  account  of  this  Agino  was  displeased,  and 
said,  mockingly,  "We  had  thought  that  the 
treasure  of  thy  master  was  little,  but  now  we  see 
that  you  keep  good  things  in  your  bags." 

"  He  who  ventures  his  life  in  battle,"  answered 
the  Vandal,  "  puts  money  in  his  pocket,  but  horn 
grows  upon  the  hand  of  him  who,  like  thec, 
works  on  the  threshing-floor." 

This  speech  was  heard  by  the  people  of  the 
House,  and  when  the  next  morning  Berthar 


136  nrao. 

came  with  his  men  to  the  granary,  in  order  to 
fetch  oats  for  the  horses  for  the  following  days, 
Hildebrand,  who  was  the  distributor  in  the  farm, 
refused  him  the  threshed  oats,  and  said,  "  If  you 
have  despised  the  callous  hands  of  our  boys,  you 
may  stamp  out  the  sheaves  with  your  own  feet, 
or  with  those  of  your  horses,  as  suits  you  best; 
my  comrades  refuse  to  work  for  you,  as  you 
speak  so  roughly  to  them.  Take  the  oats  in 
sheaves,  and  not  in  sacks." 

Berthar  answered  in  an  appeasing  tone,  "It 
was  wrong  in  my  comrades  to  despise  the  customs 
of  our  Host's  country.  But  thou  thyself  art  a 
travelled  man,  and  knowest  that  customs  differ  in 
various  countries.  Elsewhere  the  master's  fol- 
lowers lift  the  sheaves  in  baskets ;  they  cut  and 
winnow  the  fodder,  and  ride  about  the  field  with 
the  harrow  ;  but  it  would  be  considered  inglorious 
for  them  to  hold  the  plough-tail  and  the  flail. 
Therefore  have  a  little  forbearance  with  my  com- 
rades, because  they,  as  strangers,  are  surprised  at 
your  customs." 

But  Hildebrand  answered  ill-temperedly, 
"  Those  who  eat  of  our  bread  should  accommodate 
themselves  to  our  customs;  therefore  take  only 
the  sheaves;  from  henceforth  thou  shalt  receive 
nothing  else." 


INQO.  137 

Then  the  Vandals  were  obliged  to  take  the 
sheaves  to  their  stalls,  and  Bertharordered  fiercely, 
"  Throw  the  sheaves  on  the  chopping-bench,  and 
cut  till  the  iron  breaks." 

After  that  unwise  speech  of  Radgai's  there 
were  many  quarrels  among  the  men,  but  both 
parties  endeavoured  to  conceal  it  from  their 
masters.  They  had  in  the  first  instance  stood 
in  the  same  ranks  at  the  war-games,  and  imitated 
each  other's  style  of  fight,  as  the  Princes  advised 
them ;  now  they  entered  separately  into  the 
contests,  so  that  the  Prince,  before  the  beginning 
of  the  riding-games  with  shield  and  staves,  said 
to  Theoduif,  "  Why  do  the  guests  keep  aloof  on 
their  horses  ?  we  should  be  glad  to  see  who  de- 
serves the  most  praise."  Theoduif  answered, 
"  They  themselves  wish  to  avoid  the  contest ;  the 
staves  of  the  Thuringians  sound  too  hard  on 
their  shields."  Then  the  Prince  rode  up  to 
Berthar.  "Come,  Hero,  mix  thy  ranks  with 
our  people."  The  old  man  answered,  "  It  is 
only  for  the  sake  of  peace  that  I  keep  our  boys 
separate,  lest  in  the  heat  of  the  struggle  an 
ill-thrown  staff  should  excite  a  quarrel."  So 
the  Prince  was  obliged  to  watch  silently  the 
separate  horsemanship.  He  could  not  also  help 
hearing  how  his  retinue  laughed  scornfully  when 


138  INGO. 

the  strangers  threw  their  clubs ;  then  a  snury 
fellow  out  of  the  ranks  of  the  Thuringians  cried 
out  a  tormenting  word  of  insult — "  dog  slayer." 
On  the  other  hand,  when  the  retinue  spnm^ 
with  the  throw  of  the  stone,  and  one  of  their 
springs  failed,  then  the  Vandals  made  wry  faces, 
and  muttered  a  mocking  word  which  they  had 
fain ieated,  because  the  Thuringians  at  their  im-jils 
had  highly  esteemed  round  balls  made  of  wheaten 
dough. 

\\  hen,  after  the  games,  the  circular  dances 
began,  one  could  see  that  the  maidens  of  the 
household  only  associated  themselves  with  their 
own  countrymen ;  and  when  the  strangers  could 
not  find  a  village  girl  who  would  dance  with 
them,  they  were  obliged  to  look  on.  This  dis- 
pleased the  Prince,  and  he  called  out  to  the 
Vandals,  "  Why  do  my  guests  despise  my  peo- 
ple ?  "  Again  Berthar  answered,  "  The  maidens  of 
the  countiy  complain  that  our  springs  twist  their 
ankles."  Then  the  fearless  Frida  stepped  forth, 
bowed  low  to  the  old  man,  and  said,  "  I  care 
little  whether  I  displease  others  when  I  take  the 
hand  of  a  stranger.  For  I  know  one  of  the 
household  who  threatens  the  maidens  if  they 
dance  with  the  guests.  If  it  pleaseth  thee,  II.  10 
Berthar,  and  thou  dost  not  think  me  too  insigni- 


INQO.  139 

ficant,  lead  me  to  the  dance."  Berthar  laughed, 
as  did  also  the  Princes;  the  old  man  took  the 
hand  of  the  maiden,  sprang  about  like  a  youth,  and 
swung  her  actively  over  the  turf,  so  that  all  looked 
at  him  and  made  exclamations  of  approbation. 

The  strangers  saw  well  that  the  Princess  did 
not  hold  them  in  much  consideration ;  she  seldom 
spoke  even  to  the  noblest  among  them — not  even 
to  the  Hero  Berthar,  although  he  was  of  noble 
race.  But  the  Princess  had  also  some  ground  for 
complaint,  for  two  of  the  Vandals — the  brothers 
Alebrand  and  Walbrand — had  exchanged  sharp 
words  with  two  of  the  Princess's  maidens,  and, 
lyin«-  in  wait  in  the  evening,  had  kissed  them 

J          O 

against  their  will,  and  had  tumbled  their  dress. 

O  ' 

Therefore  the  Princess  went  to  Ingo,  and  raised  a 
loud  complaint  of  the  profligacy  of  his  men,  and 
Ingo,  deeply  vexed  by  the  hard  words  of  the 
Princess  and  the  ill-conduct  of  his  followers,  held 
a  court  of  justice  over  the  guilty  ones  at  his  own 
house.  And  although  it  appeared  on  examina- 
tion that  it  was  more  wantonness  than  vice,  he 
punished  them  severely,  both  by  words  and  by 
social  disgrace,  putting  them  down  in  the  lowest 
place  on  his  bench  :  sorrowfully  did  the  evil- 
doers sit  after  that  in  the  circle  of  their  com- 
panions. When  Ingo '  once  before  this  was  re- 


1 40  INGO. 

turning  to  the  hearth  of  the  Prince  from  hig 
own  quarters,  he  heard  in  the  new  buiklin/ 
it  the  sharp  grating  of  the  mill-stone,  and,  much 
astonished,  he  asked  Berthar,  "Do  the  maul  MS 
turn  the  mill-stone  in  the  sleeping-house  of  the 
men?"  Then  answered  the  old  man,  "As  tli  >u 
thyself  askest,  thou  shalt  know.  It  is  not  the 
servant-maids  that  are  turning  it;  thy  boys  are 
obliged  do  do  the  inglorious  work  of  serving- 
women,  if  they  would  have  any  bread;  for  the 
maidens  refuse  any  longer  to  grind  the  corn  for 
us,  and  the  Hostess  yields  to  them.  Bitter  is 
such  work  for  the  heroes  of  a  King.  I  would 
gladly  have  concealed  from  thee  what  is  a  dis- 
honour to  thy  hospitable  friend." 

Ingo  stepped  behind  a  pillar,  and  covered  his 
face  with  his  hands. 

Outside  howled  the  north-storm  round  the  roof, 
throwing  a  grey  covering  of  snow  and  frozen  water 
over  the  house.  "  An  unpliant  fellow  rages  nl » >vo 
the  rafters  of  the  house,"  continued  Berthar; 
"he  now  rules  over  the  roads  and  fields,  and 
may  prevent  the  departure  of  my  King  from  tlii.s 
place.  Yet  I  suspect  that  thou  thinkest  thereof; 
therefore  hear  something  that  the  Hero  Isanbart, 
my  old  war-companion,  confided  to  me  win  n  I 
yesterday  secretly  sought  him.  The  Human 


INGO.  141 

trader,  Tertullus,  was  with  his  pack-horses  in  the 
district ;  he  came  from  the  West,  and  was  going  to 
the  Castle  of  the  King.  Thou  knowest  the  man ; 
he  is  considered  by  the  Alemanni  as  the  most  cun- 
ning spy  of  Caesar.  Now  he  has  avoided  the 
abode  in  which  we  dwell,  although  the  property 
on  which  we  are  staying  would  be  the  best  market 
for  a  merchant.  But  throughout  the  district  he 
has  enquired  concerning  thee  and  us,  and  has 
held  hostile  language — that  Caesar  seeks  for  thee, 
and  would  pay  a  high  price  if  he  could  look  upon 
thy  body  or  thy  head  under  his  banner,  in  order 
that  the  evil  omen  may  be  destroyed  which,  since 
thy  seizure  of  the  dragon,  has  hung  heavy  on  the 
hearts  of  the  Roman  warriors.  If  the  Roman 
trader  goes  to  King  Bisino,  he  conceals  in  his 
chest  rather  presents  to  the  King  than  wares;  for 
he  was  in  no  haste  to  untie  his  bundle,  as  is 
usually  the  manner  of  these  people.  Therefore 
the  Hero  Isanbart  is  full  of  anxiety,  and  sends 
thee  warning,  that  thou  inayest  trust  a  message 
from  the  King  less  than  before." 

Ingo  laid  his  hand  on  the  shoulder  of  his 
trusty  friend.  "  But  thou  also,  Hero,  wouldst 
rather  ride  into  the  trap  which  the  King  pre- 
pares for  us,  than  endure  to  hear  any  longer  this 
grinding  of  the  mill-stone  by  which  a  hostile 


112  INGO. 

woman  wounds  our  honour.  Yet  I  am  held  here 
fast  as  by  an  iron  band.  For  this  grievance  I 
will  beg  for  redress  from  the  Prince,  but  I  will 
not  leave  the  district  before  I  know  something 
which  I  most  eagerly  wish  and  hope  for." 

When  Herr  Answald  on  the  next  morning  was 
sitting  at  breakfast  with  his  companions,  with- 
out the  stranger,  the  door  opened,  and  Irmgard 
stood  on  the  threshold;  behind  her  Frida  was 
carrying  a  sack  of  flour.  "  Forgive  me,  my  lord," 
began  Irmgard,  "  if  I  venture  to  offer  thee 
what  the  hand  of  thy  daughter  has  helped  to 
grind  at  the  mill-stone."  The  noble  maiden 
placed  the  sack  at  the  feet  of  the  Prince.  The 
Prince  looked  at  it  in  astonishment. 

"  What  does  this  powdery  gift  mean  ?  Is  it  to 
be  a  cake-offering  to  the  Gods,  because  the  hands 
of  a  noble  maiden  have  turned  the  stone  ? n 

"  Not  as  an  offering,"  replied  Inngard,  "  but 
as  an  expiation  for  wounded  duties  of  hospitality 
our  free  hands  ground  the  corn.  I  beg  that 
thou,  my  lord,  if  it  seems  right  to  thee,  wilt  send 
this  flour  to  thy  guests ;  for  I  hear  that  thy 
household  refuse  them  both  the  flour  for  broth 
and  bread,  and  the  noble  guests  are  obliged,  under 
thy  roof  itself,  to  do  the  work  themselves,  like 
serving-maids. 


INQO.  143 

Then  the  veins  in  the  Prince's  forehead  swelled, 
and  rising,  he  exclaimed  in  a  loud  voice,  "Who  has 
done  me  this  dishonour  ?  Speak,  Hildebrand, 
for  thou  hast  charge  of  the  repasts  of  the  guests." 

Hildebrand,  embarrassed,  bowed  before  the 
anger  of  his  Prince.  "  The  maidens  were  embit- 
tered by  the  unseemly  conduct  of  the  Vandals, 
and  wept  over  the  hard  work,  and  the  Princess 
thought  that  they  had  ground  of  complaint." 

"IIow  couldst  thou  retaliate  the  unseemly  con- 
duct of  a  few  by  imposing  heavy  suffering  upon 
all  ?  Thou  hast  dishonoured  thy  lord  before  his 
guests,  and  caused  evil  reports  among  the  people. 
Take  the  sack  at  once,  and  carry  it  to  the  lodg- 
ings of  the  guests;  and  I  advise  thee,  old  man,  to 
go  with  it,  and  make  them  such  excuses  as  they 
may  be  willing  to  accept.  But  to  the  maidens 
I  say,  if  in  future  they  should  ever  complain,  a 
hard  hand  will  cause  them  greater  sobbing." 

"Be  not  angry  with  the  maidens,  my  lord,"  said 
Irmgard;  "  they  are  usually  willing,  and  would 
have  borne  the  increased  work ;  but  there  is  one 
in  thy  house  who  has  the  audacity  to  order  about 
the  servants  like  a  master :  this  is  thy  sword- 
bearer,  Theodulf.  Many  fear  his  hard  nature,  and 
are  anxious,  either  now  or  in  the  future,  to  gain  his 
favour.  He  forbids  the  maidens,  at  his  pleasure,  to 


144  INGO. 

work  for  the  guests,  and  also  to  dance  with  thorn. 
No  one  ventures  to  complain  to  thee;  but  I  aa 
thy  daughter  cannot  bear  that  in  my  father's 
house  one  who  is  a  servant  should  injure  our 
honour. " 

When  the  Prince  learnt  this,  he  bethought 
him  that  his  child  was  right,  and  yet  felt  a  secret 
anxiety,  because  the  maiden  who  now  stood  so 
angrily  before  him,  spoke  with  such  contempt  of 
the  man  whom  he  secretly  had  destined  for  her 
husband.  He  therefore  became  wild  with  anger 
against  all,  and  exclaimed  to  his  daughter,  "Not  in 
vain  hast  thou  turned  the  mill ;  with  hard  stone 
do  thy  words  grind  the  character  of  thy  cousin. 
Yet  I  do  not  blame  thy  gift,  for  it  may  perhaps 
atone  for  a  heavy  injury.  But  thou,"  he  ex- 
claimed, raising  his  hand  threateningly  against 
Theodulf,  "forget  not  that  I  am  sole  master  in 
this  house  as  long  as  I  live,  so  that  I  may  not 
forget  that  the  mistress  of  the  house  wishes  theo 
\vcll.  If  any  of  you  dare  to  use  hostile  language 
or  secret  malice  against  the  guests,  this  house  and 
his  skin  will  become  too  narrow  for  him." 

Herr  Answald  sent  all  out,  and  continued  to 
vex  himself  alone.  At  last  he  went  to  the 
Princess,  and  spoke  to  her  also  angry  words,  and 
little  praise  of  her  nephew,  Theodulf.  Frau 


INGO.  14-") 

Gundren  changed  colour ;  she  saw  well  that  she 
had  ventured  too  much,  and  that  her  husband 
was  with  good  reason  anxious  about  evil  reports, 
and  she  spoke  to  him  appeasingly.  "  What  has 
happened  with  the  maidens  ought  to  be  a  warn- 
ing for  the  strangers,  that  they  also  may  respect 
the  rights  of  the  house ;  it  is  now  arranged,  and 
will  in  the  future  be  avoided ;  therefore  do  not 
thou  care  further  about  it.  As  to  what  concerns 
my  relation,  thou  knowest  well  how  truly  he  has 
served  thee,  and  that  on  thy  account  he  bears  his 
scar."  When  she  had  succeeded  in  pacifying  her 
lord  a  little,  she  continued — "How  free  from 
anxiety  did  all  appear  in  house  and  field  a 
few  months  ago ;  but  now  peace  has  disappeared 
from  the  house,  there  is  discord  in  the  country, 
and  the  anger  of  the  King  threatens  us  with 
difficulties.  A  distinguished  man  is  thy  guest, 
but  misfortune  follows  his  footsteps.  I  think 
of  thy  daughter,  my  lord;  she  prays  that  her 
marriage  with  Theodulf  may  be  given  up.  The 
mind  of  the  child  raises  itself  against  the  will  of 
her  parents." 

"  What  has  Ingo  to  do  with  the  ill-will  of  the 
maiden  ?"  asked  the  Prince,  angrily. 

Frau  Gundren  looked  at  him  with  open  eyes. 
*  He  who  rides  upon  horses  heeds  little  the  herbs 

10 


on  the  ground.     Observe,  my  lord,  her  looks  and 
cheeks  whenever  she  speaks  to  the  stranger." 

"  No  wonder  that  he  pleases  her,"  replied  tho 
Prince. 

"  But  if  he  should  think  of  marriage  ?" 

"That  is  impossible,"  exclaimed  the  Prince, 
with  a  discordant  laugh.  "He  is  a  banished 
man,  without  possessions  and  property. " 

"  It  is  warm  in  the  forest  arbour,  sitting  by  the 
hearth,"  continued  the  Princess. 

"  Could  a  stranger  venture  on  anything  so  mad 
— a  man  who  does  not  belong  to  our  people,  and 
has  no  other  right  than  that  of  being  tolerated  in 
the  country  ?  Thou  art  unnecessarily  anxious, 
Gundren,  but  the  thought  of  it  even  excites  my 
spirit." 

"If  thou  thinkest  so,"  said  the  Princess,  with  em- 
phasis, "then  thou  shouldst  not  rejoice  in  the  day 
on  which  he  entered  our  house,  nor  in  the  song 
in  the  hall,  nor  in  the  wandering  men  who  now 
dwell  with  us,  boasting  of  the  rights  of  hospitality, 
and  consuming  the  property  of  my  lord.  The  King 
desires  to  have  the  stranger ;  let  him  go,  before  he 
and  his  troop  occasion  sorrow  to  many  among  us." 
"  Dost  thou  know  more  of  the  intimacy  betwixt 
him  and  my  child  than  thou  hast  told  me?" 
asked  the  Prince,  standing  before  her. 


INGO.  147 

"  Only  what  may  be  discovered  by  him  who 
chooses  to  see,"  answered  the  Princess,  cautiously. 

"  I  have  received  him  with  great  acclamations 
anda  joyful  heart/'  continued  HerrAnswald;  "now 
I  cannot  send  him  away  as  one  who  is  a  burden. 
It  is  the  father's  right  to  choose  a  husband  for 
his  daughter,  and  there  can  be  no  marriage  for 
the  child  but  through  the  father ;  that  thy  child 
knows  also,  for  she  is  not  without  sense.  I  be- 
think me  of  the  oath  which  I  have  made  to  thy 
friends  ;  but  do  thou  restrain,  if  thou  canst,  the 
arrogance  of  thy  nephew,  and  take  care  that  he 
may  make  himself  more  estimable  to  our  child 
than  he  now  is,  lest  the  stubbornness  of  the 
maiden  should  break  out  in  the  approaching 
spring,  when  we  adorn  her  for  her  marriage." 

After  this  morning  the  spirit  of  Herr  Answald 
was  troubled  whenever  he  came  across  the 
stranger;  gloomily  did  he  ponder  on  the  pre- 
sumption, and  suspiciously  did  he  watch  the  words 
and  bearing  of  the  guest;  and  he  himself  thought 
sometimes  that  his  dwelling  by  his  hearth  through 
the  winter  would  be  a  burden.  On  one  of  these 
days  of  ill-humour,  the  Hero  Sin  tram  rode  up  to 
him,  sent  as  a  messenger  of  bad  tidings  from  the 
King  to  the  Chieftain  and  his  district ;  for  the 
King  made  decided  complaints  of  the  concealed 


148  INGO. 

resilience  of  the  foreign  troop,  and  demanded 
with  threatenings  that  they  should  be  delivered 
into  his  hands.  The  Prince  perceived  that 
danger  threatened  either  the  guest,  or  him  and 
his  countrymen.  As  he  was  not  a  mean-spirited 
man,  he  soon  recovered  his  composure.  He  went 
to  Ingo,  and  told  him  frankly  that  he  would 
invite  the  Chiefs  of  the  district  to  a  secret  council, 
under  the  pretence  of  a  hunting  exju •<liti..n. 
Ingo  bowed  assentingly  to  what  he  said,  and 
replied,  "  It  is  the  right  of  the  Host  to  speak  tit  >t, 
and  then  the  guest." 

Messengers  rode  in  all  directions ;  and  three 
days  after  the  nobles  and  wise  men  of  the  dis- 
trict were  again  assembled  by  the  hearth  of  the 
( 'hieftain.  But  it  was  no  longer  summer  air, 
when  the  minds  of  men  are  joyfully 
but  hard  winter  time,  when  anxieties  and  ill- 
arise.  This  time  the  countenance  of  the  Prince 
was  sorrowful  when  he  began.  "  The  King  has 
sent  a  second  message  about  the  Hero  Ingo  and 
his  followers,  and  this  time  to  my  countrymen  and 
me,  not  by  the  minstrel,  but  by  the  Hero  Sint  rain. 
The  King  of  this  nation  demanils  to  have  the 
strangers  delivered  up  to  him  :  whether  \ve  .--hall 
withstand  his  cuiniiiand,  or,  thinking  of  our  own 
safety,  do  according  to  his  will,  is  what  I  ask  you." 


INGO.  149 

Then  rose  Sintram,  and  repeated  the  threatenings 
of  the  King.  "  He  will  take  the  strangers  by  force, 
if  we  do  not  send  them ;  his  men  bluster  loud/and 
rejoice  in  the  idea  of  an  expedition  against  our 
properties.  Once,  foreseeing  this,  I  warned  you  ; 
now  the  danger  threatens  and  approaches  us. 
Though  we  have  indeed  promised  to  defend  hos- 
pitably the  stranger,  now  it  is  not  he  alone  who 
resides  on  the  land ;  a  foreign  race  rides  through 
our  valleys,  and  his  wild  followers  become  a 
burden  to  the  people." 

A  long  silence  followed  this  speech,  till  Isan- 
bart  at  last  raised  his  voice.  "  As  I  am  old,  I  am 
not  surprised  to  see  how  easily  the  minds  of  men 
alter ;  before  now  I  have  seen  many  a  Host  who 
gladly  greeted  a  guest,  but  gladly  also  dismissed 
him.  Therefore  shouldst  thou,  O  Prince,  before 
the  representatives  of  thy  people,  say  whether  the 
foreign  Hero  has  violated  the  rights  of  thy  house, 
and  wounded  thy  honour;  or  have  his  followers 
practised  evil  deeds  among  the  people  ?" 

Prince  Answald  replied,  with  hesitation,  "  I  do 
not  complain  of  any  outrage  which  the  guest  has 
committed,  but  the  nature  of  his  men  is  unpliant 
and  extraordinary,  and  they  adapt  themselves  ill 
to  the  customs  of  our  country." 

Then  Isaubart  nodded  his  grey  head,  and  spoke. 


1 50  INGO. 

"  I  also  have  experienced  the  same  when  I  dwelt 
as  a  guest  with  thy  father  Irmfried  in  the  land 
of  the  Vandals.  We  also,  as  far  as  I  can  remem- 
ber, were  unyielding  and  strange  to  the  Vandals  ; 
yet  our  Hosts  laughed  kindly  about  it,  and  accom- 
modated the  quarrels  of  the  men  whenever  they 
broke  out ;  they  always  begged  us  to  stay  longer, 
and  dismissed  us  with  rich  presents.  Therefore 
I  think  it  becomes  a  Host  to  be  cautious  before 
he  receives  foreign  guests,  and  to  exercise  forbear- 
ance as  long  as  they  dwell  under  his  protection." 
Then  Rothari,  whom  they  called  "Puff-cheek," 
sprang  up  and  exclaimed,  "  There  is  among  every 
people  of  the  earth,  as  far  as  I  understand  it,  a 
law  that  the  followers  belong  to  their  lord,  and 
he  who  receives  the  master  cannot  deny  the 
peace  to  his  followers,  if  the  strangers  themselves 
do  not  break  the  peace  by  their  misdeeds.  '\\'( •!! 
do  I  understand  that  the  number  of  comrades 
under  the  oath  will  become  a  burden  to  thee,  O 
Prince,  for  the  number  of  men  and  horses  is  too 
great  for  one  property.  Butthou  didst  desire,  \\ln-n 
they  came,  to  have  alone  the  honour  of  entertaining 
them.  Had  they  been  distributed  among  the 
houses  of  the  nobles  and  peasants,  every  one 
according  to  his  birth,  then  the  guests  would 
have  burdened  no  one,  and  many  by  the  evening 


INGO.  151 

fire  of  the  hearth  would  have  delighted  in  their 
accounts  of  foreign  lands." 

The  Prince,  much  annoyed,  answered,  "I  did  not 
a.sk  for  counsel  concerning  the  residence  on  my 
property,  but  concerning  the  command  of  the 
King,  which  presses  upon  us  heavily." 

Then  spoke  Bero,  the  peasant.  "  Other  things 
press  upon  us,  my  lord,  more  than  two-and- 
tvventy  strangers.  The  King  seeks  only  a  pre- 
text in  order  to  obtain  the  tenth  of  our  herds 
and  sheaves  of  our  fields ;  but  we  are  well 
aware  that  our  herds  and  fields  are  too  small, 
even  without  this,  for  our  necessities.  All  our 
villages  are  filled  with  vigorous  young  men;  they 
demand  building  ground  for  new  houses,  arable 
land,  meadows,  and  forest  pastures.  Who  can 
give  it  them?  Everything  is  divided  and  fenced 
in;  the  herdsmen  complain  that  the  herds  of 
the  lords  of  the  manor  are  too  large,  and  the  mast 
and  acorns  too  few ;  and  the  clearing  of  the  woods 
is  withstood  by  the  community,  and  still  more  by 
the  Chiefs.  Therefore  many  think  that  the  time 
is  come  when  our  people  must  again  settle  on 
the  other  side  of  the  boundary,  as  in  the  time  of 
our  fathers  and  ancestors;  and  we  ask  in  the 
villages.  Where  is  there  fresh  land  on  man's  earth 

O         ' 

to  settle  on  ?     Thus  discontent  prevails  among  the 


J  52  INGO. 

people,  and  our  young  men  would  be  pleased 
with  any  one  who  would  offer  them  free  acres, 
even  though  it  were  the  King.  I  say  this  as 
a  warning ;  for  dangerous  is  the  greed  of  Princes 
when  they  desire  for  themselves  the  weapons 
of  the  people.  Yet  I  do  not  advise  that  we 
should  deliver  up  the  guests  to  the  King;  if  the 
King  would  take  tli3m  away  by  force,  let  him 
try.  The  thought,  even,  excites  anger  in  me, 
that  the  boys  of  the  King  should  drive  away 
the  cattle,  and  set  fire  to  the  barns;  but  I 
would  not  be  forced  from  our  rights.  Every  one 
would  consider  it  unjust  if  we  were  to  drive  out 
our  guests  into  the  snow-storm.  And  I  would 
rather  be  destroyed  with  my  house,  than  break 
my  oath  to  them  from  fear." 

Again  Rothari  sprang  up,  shook  the  peasant 
by  the  hand,  delighted,  and  cried  out,  "  Thus 
speaks  a  gallant  neighbour;  listen  to  his  words." 

At  last  Alb  win  began,  with  winning  mirn. 
"  What  the  freeman  says  I  also  agree  to.  I 
advise  that  we  should  keep  our  oath,  which  may 
perhaps  become  burdensome  to  us,  if  the  guests 
ask  it,  and  desire  our  protection.  But  if  they 
willingly  depart,  let  us  give  them  assistance  and 
presents,  that  they  may  go  safely  wherever  their 
wishes  lead  them.  But  \vc  will  not  deliver  them 


INGO.  153 

into  the  hands  of  the  King,  except  with  their  own 
free-will." 

Then  the  greater  number  expressed  their 
assent — the  Prince  also,  and  Sintram.  But 
Rothari  exclaimed,  angrily,  "  You  would  act  like 
the  fox  with  the  farmer's  wife,  when  he  said  to  her, 
'I  will  pay  thee  for  the  fowl,  if  thou  ask  nothing 
for  it;"  and  Isanbartsaid,  warningly,  "Howcanyou 
lay  the  duty  on  the  conscience  of  the  guest  which 
lies  on  you  and  your  children  ?  Who  can  praise  the 
Host  who  claims  the  magnanimity  of  the  guest  ?" 

Thus  did  the  forest  people  dispute  together, 
and  opinions  remained  divided.  Meanwhile 
Hildebrand  in  the  courtyard  sang  aloud  the 
hunter's  call,  and  blowing  on  his  great  horn, 
collected  the  forest  comrades,  armed  with  spear 
and  cross-bow,  and  leading  hounds  in  leashes. 
The  Thuringians  hastened  out  of  the  courtyard 
gate ;  the  Vandals,  who  had  no  dogs,  came  out 
with  thick  iron  spears,  curved  horns,  and  clubs. 
Hildebrand  divided  the  hunting  party  into  two 
troops — the  men  belonging  to  the  Manor,  and  the 
guests  ;  the  men  from  the  district  he  also  divided 
into  two.  The  hunters  spoke  in  a  low  tone  the 
forest  blessing ;  then  Berthar  began  to  the  master 
of  the  hunt,  "  It  will  be  difficult  for  thy  guests 
to  succeed  without  hounds  on  the  smooth  path. 


LNGO. 

Take  care,  at  least,  Hero,  as  tliou  knowest  the 
paths  of  the  wild  cattle,  that  my  troop  may  not 
tread  the  snow  in  vain ,  for  even  the  quickest 
foot  can  never  reach  the  game  where  none  is  to 
be  found.  Many  a  time  hast  thou  sent  us  astray, 
far  from  the  course  of  the  forest  giants ;  take  care, 
if  it  pleaseth  thee,  that  we  may  not  be  mortified 
before  the  district  comrades." 

"He  who  is  without  good  fortune  and  skill 
blames  the  driver,"  replied  Hildebrand.  "  Thou 
coin  plainest  without  cause  ;  I  have  made  a  fair 
division." 

The  horn  gave  the  call,  the  hounds  pulled  at 
the  leashes  ;  the  hunters  broke  out  joyfully,  and 
greeted  the  ladies,  who,  standing  at  the  gate, 
looked  on  at  the  departure.  When  the  Vandals 
passed  by  Irmgard,  they  suddenly  raised  a  ringing 
shout,  and  lowering  their  weapons,  bent  their 
knees  before  her.  Ingo  also  came  towards  her. 

"  Thou  alone,  Hero,  dost  not  listen  to  the  hunt- 
ing-call," said  Irmgard. 

"Others  also  remain  behind,"  replied  Ingo, 
pointing  to  the  hall. 

"  Do  not  doubt  their  faithfulness,"  said  Tnii^-inl 
earnestly.  "  When  thou  art  with  thy  heror-.  \\ v 
do  not  fear  much  that  fresh  strife  should  brc.-ik 
out  betwixt  them  and  our  men."  Thus  did  the 


INGO.  I'M 

woman  he  loved  urge  him  to  the  chase,  which 
was  to  be  sorrowful  to  many. 

Ingo  equipped  himself  quickly  for  the  hunt,  and 
hastened  after  his  comrades  ;  he  reached  them 
before  the  separation  of  the  parties,  and  was 
received  by  his  warriors  with  acclamation ;  the 
country  guests  also  rejoiced  in  his  coming,  and 
they  all  entered  the  forest  together  in  good  fellow- 
ship. Hildebrand  pointed  to  the  paths,  and,  led  by 
the  youths  of  the  village,  one  band  after  another 
disappeared  among  the  stems  of  the  trees,  along 
the  windings  of  the  valley.  Soon  were  heard  in 
the  distance  the  strokes  of  the  drivers  on  the 
stems  of  the  trees,  the  cry  of  the  hounds,  and 
sometimes  a  loud  blast  of  the  horn.  This  time 
the  Vandals  had  better  success  ;  they  roused  a 
herd  of  cattle — among  them  a  splendid  bull, 
which  had  been  heard  of  before  at  the  house — 
and  they  succeeded  in  driving  the  herd  from  the 
height  into  a  deep  valley,  where  the  snowdrifts 
delayed  the  progress  of  the  huge  animals.  Then 
the  men  dashed  down  from  above  towards  the 
gigantic  bull,  with  a  loud  hunting-cry,  shooting 
their  arrows,  and  casting  their  .spears  :  the  com- 
rades pressed  down  the  valley  from  the  heights, 
and  they  killed  many  of  the  herd  ;  only  the 
mighty  bull,  chief  of  the  herd,  broke  through  to  a 


156  INGO. 

more  open  space.  Then  Ingo  threw  a  heavy  spear 
at  him:  a  stream  of  blood  followed  the  blow. 
"He  has  it!"  cried  out  Ingo,  and  was  answered 
by  loud  hurrahs.  But  the  forest  giant  escaped 
to  the  heights.  Ingo  bounded  after  him  spearless, 
swinging  his  knife.  Again  the  beast  broke  down 
into  a  deep  valley,  draggling  the  spear ;  and  whilst 
Ingo  rushed  forward  along  the  height,  in  order  to 
get  before  him  on  the  ground  free  from  snow,  ho 
heard  amidst  the  cry  of  the  hounds  a  hunting- 
call  and  the  sound  of  the  horn;  and  when  he 
plunged  into  the  valley,  he  found  the  bull  on  the 
ground,  with  Theodulf s  spear  in  its  body.  The 
man  was  standing  on  the  animal,  and  blew  the  cry 
of  victory.  "  The  game  is  mine,  according  to  forest 
right,"  exclaimed  Ingo,  and  sprang  upon  the  body 
of  the  fallen  animal;  "my  spear  gave  him  the 
death-blow."  The  two  men  stood  over  the  prize 
opposite  each  other,  and  hot  hatred  flashed  from 
their  eyes.  "Mine  is  the  weapon,  and  mine  the  bull," 
cried  Theodulf.  Then  Ingo  tore  the  spear  of  the 
other  out  of  the  body  of  the  bull,  and  flung  it  far 
away,  so  that  it  remained  hanging  in  the  branches 
of  a  pine-tree.  The  Thuringian  gnashed  his  1 1  •<  •  1 1 j 
with  rage ;  for  one  moment  he  appeared  as  if  he 
would  rush  against  Ingo,  and  strike  him  with  his 
fists,  but  the  haughty  bearing  of  the  other  daunted 


DTGO-  157 

him ;  he  sprangback,  and  incited  the  hounds  against 
him.  The  raging  beasts  rushed  howling  on  the 
Hero.  In  vain  did  Hildebrand  cry,  "  Woe  is  me  ! " 
Ingo  struck  down  the  fiercest  with  his  knife ;  the 
Vandals  sprang  to  their  King's  side  to  save  him 
from  his  danger,  and  drove  their  spears  into  the 
bodies  of  the  hounds.  "  The  chase  is  over,"  cried 
out  Berthar,  in  a  tone  of  command ; "  now  another 
begins :  the  scoundrel  who  set  the  hounds  on  our 
King  shall  not  see  another  sun.  To-day  we  have 
been  hound-slayers,  as  thou  calledst  us,  and  thou 
art  the  last  hound  we  shall  slay."  He  raised  his 
axe  for  the  throw,  but  Ingo -seized  his  arm  with 
iron  grasp.  "  Let  no  one  dare  to  touch  him ;  the 
man  belongs  to  my  sword.  But  thou,  Hildebrand, 
appoint  the  judges  according  to  forest  laws,  and 
let  there  be  a  decision  on  my  rights,  on  the  spot 
where  lies  the  bloody  track  and  slain  beast." 
Each  band  chose  a  man,  and  these  two  a  third. 
The  judges  examined  the  wound,  and  followed 
the  death-track  up  to  the  place  where  Ingo's 
spear  had  struck  the  bull ;  then  they  turned  back, 
conferred  together,  and  pronounced  their  judg- 
ment :  "  The  game  belongs  to  the  Hero  Ingo."  A 
triumphant  smile  passed  over  the  face  of  the  King 
as  he  turned  his  back  to  the  bull. 

"I  advise,"  began  Hildebrand,  with  sorrowful 


158  INQO. 

countenance,  "  that  the  bands  shall  not  return  to 
the  house  at  the  same  time;  if  it  pleases  you,  yo 
heroes,  take  the  precedence." 

"  You  are  the  lightest,"  replied  Berthar ;  "  my 
comrades  will  have  trouble  in  carrying  their 
game  out  of  the  forest.  Yet  I  think  that  we 
must  not  renounce  the  honour  of  the  hunt ;  for 
this  hunt  will  long  be  spoken  of  in  the  country." 

The  followers  of  Herr  Answald  went  in  silence 
to  the  house ;  only  Theodulf  spoke  in  his  haughty 
manner,  in  order  to  control  by  these  words  the  lage 
that  was  boiling  within  him.  Without  hunting- 
cry  they  entered  the  court,  and  Hildebrand 
hastened  to  the  Prince. 

It  was  dark  when  the  victorious  band  arrived 
with  their  trophy.  "  Sound  the  triumphal  blast," 
cried  Berthar,  "  as  is  befitting  so  rich  a  trophy." 
The  hunting-shout  resounded,  but  no  one  opened 
the  gate  of  the  courtyard,  and  Wolf  was  obliged 
to  spring  forward  and  push  back  the  cross-beam. 
The  Vandals  laid  their  spoil  down  in  front  of 
the  Prince's  house ;  they  parted,  with  a  greeting, 
from  the  country  guests,  and  collected  together 
quietly  in  their  own  quarters.  The  dwellings  lay 
in  darkness,  and  the  winter  storms  howled  over 
the  roofs ;  but  in  all  the  houses,  and  in  the  hall, 
there  was  a  murmur  of  suppressed  talk. 


DfOO.  159 


VL 

THE  DEPARTURE. 

IN  the  grey  of  the  following  morning  Ingo  rode 
towards  the  meadow,  with  his  two  sword  com- 
panions, Berthar  and  Wolf,  for  the  single  combat 
on  which  the  sun  might  not  look.  The  snow 
crackled  under  their  feet ;  the  night  wind  roared 
above  their  heads,  and  drove  the  snow-clouds  from 
the  mountains  into  the  valley ;  the  black  cover- 
ing of  clouds  concealed  all  the  light  of  heaven ; 
only  the  spirits  of  the  dead  ruled  upon  the  earth  ; 
they  cried  from  the  wind,  they  rattled  among  the 
dry  branches  of  the  trees,  and  gurgled  in  the  icy 
water  the  news  that  of  two  sworn  companions 
of  one  hearth,  one  must  depart  from  the  light  of 
the  sun,  and  descend  into  the  cold  realm  of  the 
mist.  Berthar  pointed  silently  to  where,  in  the 
dim  morning  twilight,  three  men  stood  on  the 
other  side  of  the  stream  ;  they  were  Theodulf,  with 
Sintram  and  Agino,  his  comrades.  M  Their  feet 


ICO  INGO. 

have  been  quicker  than  ours,"  said  Ingo,  discon- 
tentedly;  "glory  to  those  who  first  turned  theii 
backs  on  the  foggy  meadow."  Before  them  lay  the 
spot  appointed  for  the  fight — a  sandy  island,  sur- 
rounded on  both  sides  by  the  eddying  water,  and 
covered  with  a  thin  coating  of  snow.  The  assist- 
ants greeted  one  another  silently  over  the  stream : 
they  went  to  the  willows  on  the  bank,  cut  strong 
branches,  and  peeled  the  rind  with  their  knives. 
Then  Berthar  and  Sintram  waded  through  the 
water;  both  stepped  upon  the  ground  at  the  same 
time,  and  marked  out  the  spot  for  the  fight  with 
white  wands.  Then  each  stepped  from  thence  tc 
the  ends  of  the  island — the  one  up  the  stream,  the 
other  down — and  made  a  sign  with  his  hand 
to  his  combatant.  The  combatants  bowed  them- 
selves before  the  preserving  Gods,  and  murmured 
a  prayer;  then  they  waded  through  the  water  to 
their  companions.  The  assistants  drew  back 
over  the  stream,  and  the  mortal  enemies  sprang 
at  one  another  without  shields,  in  casques  and 
coats  of  mail,  with  brandished  swords.  Steel 
struck  upon  steel ;  round  them  the  wind  groaned 
and  the  icy  water  gurgled.  It  was  a  desperate 
struggle  betwixt  man  and  man.  Theodulf  sli<>\\ v<l 
liinisolf  not  unworthy  of  the  reputation  that  he 
had  among  his  comrades.  For  a  time  the  struggle 


INGO.  161 

endured  which  leads  so  quickly  to  death,  and 
Berthar  looked  discontentedly  on  the  red  in 
the  morning  sky,  the  messenger  of  day.  Then 
Theodulf  staggered  under  heavy  blows,  and  again 
Ingo  sprang  at  him,  and  fractured  his  skull 
through  the  iron  helmet  by  a  strong  sword-stroke, . 
so  that  a  stream  of  blood  burst  forth,  and  the 
Prince's  man  sank  backwards  on  the  snow.  Ingo 
flung  himself  over  him,  and  raised  his  sword  with 
intent  to  plunge  the  point  of  it  into  his  throat. 
At  the  same  moment  the  first  rays  of  the  sun 
broke  over  the  hills ;  the  red  glow  fell  on  the 
countenance  of  the  wounded  man.  Sintram  forgot 
in  this  danger  of  death  the  prescribed  silence, 
and  cried  out  over  the  stream,  "  Forbear !  the 
sun  sees  it."  With  the  ray  of  light,  and  the  cry, 
softer  thoughts  came  across  the  wrathful  soul  of 
the  conqueror ;  he  drew  his  sword  back,  and  said, 
"  The  King  of  Heaven  shall  not  behold  me  pierc- 
ing my  sword  through  the  retainer  of  my  hos- 
pitable friend.  Live,  if  thou  canst !  "  and  liu 
turned  away.  Theodulf  murmured,  as  he  lay  on 
the  ground,  raising  his  fist  against  him,  "  I  do 
not  thank  thee."  But  Ingo  sprang  through  the 
icy  water  on  to  the  bank,  and  turned  his  back 
on  the  island  and  the  fallen  man,  whilst  Berthar 
said,  reproachfully,  "  For  the  first  time  the  King 

11 


ib2  INGO. 

has  been  niggardly  in  paying  the  money  for  the 
journey  of  a  deadly  enemy  into  the  land  of  mist." 
"  I  do  not  care  about  the  revenge  of  a  man  that 
is  lying  under  my  sword,"  replied  Ingo.  His 
sword-comrades  followed  him  silently,  whilst  the 
.friends  of  the  other  rushed  over  the  water,  and 
tore  away  the  armour  of  the  wounded  man. 

In  front  of  the  guests'  dwellings  stood  the 
troop  of  Vandals,  all  ready  equipped;  they  stopped 
Berthar  with  their  greetings  when  they  saw  the 
King  return  in  safety  from  the  meadow.  In  the 
court  the  Prince's  men  were  collected,  and  the 
country  guests,  in  gloomy  expectation,  ti,ll  the 
loud  wailing  cry  of  Sintram  resounded,  and  be- 
hind him  two  men  carried  the  fallen  Hero  on  a 
litter  into  the  courtyard.  When  the  litter  was 
laid  down  in  front  of  the  house  of  the  women, 
the  Princess  rushed  out,  threw  herself  with  loud 
cries  down  by  her  relative,  &nd  raised  her  arm> 
imploringly  to  her  husband.  Wild  emotion, 
cries  of  revenge,  and  screams,  followed  the  mute 
silence  in  the  courtyard.  The  Chiefs  of  the  people 
hastened  with  conciliating  words  from  one  troop 
to  another;  they  felt  anxiously  that  a  fire  was 
kindled  which  could  hardly  be  extinguished  by 
sage  couiiM-I. 

First  Wolf  was  in  great  affliction.    When  ho 


INGO. 

went  to  his  old  bench  comrades,  who  stood  in  a 
close  crowd  before  the  house  of  the  wounded 
man,  they  gave  him  hostile  looks,  turning  thuir 
backs  on  him. 

Agino  said,  "  He  who  has  stood  in  a  passage 
of  arms  against  our  comrade   is  separated  from, 
our  bench  ;  and  if  I  may  give  thee  good  advici; 
for  the  last  time,  it  is  to  avoid  our  neighbourhood, 
that  cold  iron  may  not  pay  thee  for  thy  treason." 

"  You  acted  shamefully  to  our  guest,"  retortu<  I 
Wolf,  vehemently.  "I  have  behaved  myself 
honourably,  according  to  my  oath,  which  you  all 
then  extolled :  how  could  I  forsake  my  master  in 
his  danger  amidst  water  and  heather  ? " 

"  If  thou  wast  his  companion  in  the  danger,"  re- 
plied the  others,  "hide  thyself  in  his  chamber,  and 
drink  among  his  strangers  the  mead  that  he  gives 
thee  •  for  hated  is  thy  name  among  us,  and  thy 
memory  shall  be  blotted  out  from  our  circle." 

Hildebrand  also  approached  him,  and  began 
solemnly,  "  Since  thou  wast  a  boy  I  have  known 
thee,  and  would  gladly  give  thee  good  advice  if  I 
could ;  but  it  is  an  old  saying,  '  Where  the  master 
leads,  the  man  falls  to  the  ground.'  Even  if  our 
Prince  Answald  is  kindly  disposed  towards  thee, 
he  cannot  defend  thee  against  the  anger  of  the 
household.  Perhaps  I  may  persuade  him  to  give 


164  INGO. 

thce  freedom  from  thy  household  oath  ;  then  thou 
mayest  wander  with  thy  sword,  and  seek  thy 
safety  in  foreign  countries." 

Wolf  stepped  aside  against  the  wall  of  the 
court,  and  concealed  his  glowing  face  from  the 
looks  of  his  comrades. 

"  Is  thy  travelling-baggage  so  heavy  that  thou 
weepest  like  a  child,  fearing  to  travel  E  Mid  o 
woman's  voice  near  him. 

Wolf  answered  bitterly,  "  That  thou  alsc 
mockest  me,  Frida,  is  worse  than  all  else;  for 
on  thy  account  I  was  happy  in  the  service  of  the 
House."  . 

"  There  are  other  houses  than  this,  which  lie  far 
away  on  the  travelling- path  of  the  hero,  where  a 
warrior  wins  more  easily  the  favour  of  the  Master, 
ami  perhaps  also  house  and  land  to  enable  him  to 
marry.  I  care  not  for  a  bench  of  heroes  where  a 
woman  commands." 

"  Thou  advisest  me  to  go,"  answered  Wolf,  in 
great  astonishment,  "and  thou  thyself  remainest 
here  !" 

"  I  am  born  for  the  distaff,  and  I  must  tarry  till 
a  man  lifts  me  on  his  horse,  and  carries  me  to  his 
house.  But  a  household  appears  to  me  contemp- 
tible which  Hrst  receives  a  guest  with  open  arms, 
and  is  then  frightened  at  his  presence.  Mount, 


INGO.  1 65 

anrl  trot  courageously  over  the  heather,  and  seek 
a  truer  lord." 

"  Tbou  hast  seldom  been  friendly  to  me,  Frida; 
yet  I  feel  it  hard  to  leave  thee  behind  among  the 
boys  of  the  Manor,"  replied  the  honest  Wolf. 

"  Perhaps  I  also  may  some  time  escape  from 
the  house,"  answered  Frida,  boldly.  "  If  I  have 
sometimes  been  hard  with  thee,  my  little  Wolf, 
yet  know  that  1  hate  the  churls  here,  since  they 
have  denied  thee  comradeship." 

She  looked  at  him  kindly,  and  disappeared, 
and  Wolf  walked  back  comforted  to  the  residence 
of  the  guests. 

"  What  do  the  proud  boys  there  whisper  among 
one  another?  "  asked  Berthar,  examining  him. 

"They  have  separated  themselves  from  me," 
answered  Wolf,  gloomily,  "  because  I  went  to  the 
meadow  with  King  Ingo." 

"And  what  dost  thou  mean  to  do,  young 
Thuringian? " 

"I  have  vowed  fealty  to  thy  lord/'  answered 
Wolf. 

Berthar  clasped  him  by  the  hand.  "Thou 
spcakest  like  a  gallant  man;  thou  hast  always 
pleased  me,  for  thou  wast  faithful  in  service,  and 
kind-hearted  to  my  comrades.  Now  I  will  take 
care,  so  far  as  I  can,  that  thou  dost  not  repent 


1G8  1NGC 

thee  of  thy  choice.  Go.  at  present  away  from  u« 
to  the  Hero  Isanbart  that  he  ma}  protect  thee, 
and  help  thee  by  his  intercession  to  be  released 
from  the  oath  which  binds  tbee  to  the  Chief,  then 
return  to  us.  The  Gods  have  denied  me  a  son ; 
1  will  consider  thee  as  of  mine  own  blood,  will 
share  my  last  drink  with  thee,  and  my  last  sword- 
stroke  shall  be  by  thy  side.  Welcome  amongst 
us,  to  wander  over  the  earth,  to  gain  booty,  and  tc 
make  a  happy  end  in  battle  ! " 

Irmgard  also  felt  the  disturbance  of  this  morn- 
ing. "  Where  is  my  daughter,  that  she  may  help 
h  i  mother  with  her  medical  skill?"  exclaimed 
the  Prince,  by  the  bedside  of  the  wounded  man. 

In  a  low  tone,  that  no  one  might  hear  her 
words,  the  angry  Princess  answered,  "  She  has 
ili>obediently  refused  to  approach  his  bed." 

Herr  Answald  went  impetuously  to  Irmgard's 
room.  The  cheeks  of  the  noble  maiden  were  pallid, 
but  her  eyes  did  not  shun  the  angry  look  of  her 
father.  "  By  the  bedside  of  thy  betrothed  is  thy 
place,  thou  cold-hearted  one,"  he  exclaimed  to  her. 

"  I  should  have  hated  myself  if  I  had  vowed 
my  life  to  yonder  man,"  answered  Irmg;ipl, 
unmoved. 

•'  Thy  father  has  done  it  for  thee ;  and  had  I 
not  done  it,  yet  he  is  of  thy  family,  and  my  com- 


INGO.  1G7 

pamon  in  arms.  Dost  thou  respect  so  little 
what  our  customs  require  of  thee  ? " 

"  I  think  also,  my  father,  of  what  becomes  thy 
child.  He  who  lies  there,  struck  by  a  well- 
deserved  blow,  set  the  hounds  upon  our  friend 
and  guest.  Therefore,  as  a  child  of  this  house, 
he  is  henceforth  to  me  a  stranger  and  an  enemy." 

"  Thou  speakest  like  a  mad  woman.  I  know 
well  the  bad  wish  which  befools  thy  heart :  too 
long  have  I  indulgently  borne  with  what  is 
intolerable."  He  raised  his  hand  against  his 
daughter. 

"  Kill  me,  my  father,"  cried  out  Irmgard ;  "  thou 
hast  power ;  but  1  will  never  go  upon  my  feet  to 
the  bedside  of  the  bad  man." 

"  If  thou  hast  so  decided,"  exclaimed  the  Prince, 
beside  himself,  "yet  shalt  thou  bend  to  com- 
pulsion. I  go  to  turn  off  the  source  which 
brings  this  trouble  •into  my  house ;  and  thou 
shalt  live  apart  as  a  prisoner,  till  thy  insolent 
spirit  become  more  pliant."  He  left  the  room, 
threatening,  and  walked  across  the  court  to 
his  hearth-seat.  There  his  district  companions 
collected,  and  there  also  Ingo  was  conducted  by 
two  Chiefs  of  the  people. 

The  countenance  of  the  Prince  was  red  with 
anger,  and  his  voice  trembled  when  he  began 


168  INOO. 

speaking  to  the  assembly  by  his  hearth-fire. 
"  Thou,  Ingo,  Ingbert's  son,  hast  given  a  death- 
blow to  my  sword-bearer,  Theodulf,  one  of  the 
nobles  of  the  people,  the  relative  of  my  wife,  the 
son  to  whom  I  had  promised  my  daughter  as  a 
\\ile  ;  thou  hast  injured  him  in  body  and  life  in 
secret  fight,  which  the  sun  hates.  Thou  hast 
wounded  mine  honour,  violated  thy  duty  as  guest, 
•and  broken  thine  oath ;  therefore  I  refuse  thee, 
henceforth,  the  peace  of  my  house  and  manor ; 
I  dissolve  the  covenant  which  once  bound  our 
fathers;  I  extinguish  the  flame  on  the  hearth 
which  now  still  warms  thee,  and  I  pour  water 
over  that  by  which  we  had  sworn  to  one  another 
hospitable  peace."  lie  raised  up  the  hearth- 
kettle,  and  poured  the  water  into  the  flames,  so 
that  the  steam  spread  itself  hissing  thoughout 
the  house. 

But  Ingo  cried  out,  in  reply,  "  Wounded  to 
death  in  my  honour,  I  have  done  a  necessary 
deed,  such  as  every  one  must  do  who  would  not 
live  dishonoured  among  the  people.  I  thought 
of  thy  hospitable  hearth  when  the  bad  man  lay 
under  my  sword,  and  I  drew  back  its  point.  For 
the  kindness  that  I  have  enjoyed  under  thy  roof 
I  thank  thee  now,  on  parting ;  from  the  evil  that 
thou  and  thy  kindred  may  henceforth  intend 


IXGO.  160 

towards  me  I  will  guard  myself.  As  thou  hast 
extinguished  the  names  that  lighted  me  hos- 
pitably, so  do  I  throw  the  guest-token  that  thy 
father  gave  to  my  father,  into  the  cold  ashes  of 
thy  hearth.  I  renounce  also  the  duties  of  guest 
which  have  bound  me  here,  as  a  stranger  I  came, 
and  as  a  stranger  I  go.  To  the  Gods,  the  eye- 
witnesses of  my  oath,  i  complain  of  the  injustice 
that  thou  doest  to  me  and  injT  race;  and  I  beg 
their  blessing  for  every  one  who  wishes  me  well 
in  this  house  and  country.  He  turned  round 
to  depart. 

Then  rose  Isanbart,  and  said,  "  Though  thou 
art  in  hostility  to  our  Chieftain,  by  a  necessary 
deed  which  we  honour,  yet  thou  art  not  in  hosti- 
lity with  the  people  who  through  our  mouth  have 
promised  thee  peace.  If  thou  wilt  tarry  till  the 
community  decide  upon  thy  quarrel  with  Herr 
Answald,  thou  art  welcome,  with  thy  followers, 
to  the  house  and  hearth  of  an  old  man  who  once 
stood  in  battle  by  the  side  of  thy  father." 

Ingo  stepped  up  to  the  old  man,  and  bent  low 
before  him.  "  Lay  thy  blessing  on  my  head,  O 
father,  before  I  depart.  It  would  be  inglorious  for 
me  any  longer  to  linger  in  the  district,  and  excite 
discord  in  the  villages.  But  I  shall  think  of  thy 
faithfulness  so  long  as  I  breathe." 


170  INGO. 

The  old  man  laid  his  hand  silently  on  his  head, 
and  then  Ingo  passed  on  to  the  threshold.  The 
Prince  saw  with  anger  and  anxiety  that  a  portion 
of  his  country  associates  rose  to  accompany  him 
on  his  departure.  Isanbart  offered  him  his  hand, 
and  led  him,  with  the  others,  through  the  host 
of  armed  retainers  who  thronged  about  the  door 
with  threatening  demeanour ;  opposite  to  these 
were  the  Vandals,  on  their  horses,  ready  for 
departure,  and  if  necessary,  for  a  fight ;  but  the 
dignity  of  the  Chiefs  of  the  people  restrained  the 
wrath  of  the  younger  men.  Ingo  leaped  upon  his 
horse,  which  Berthar  brought  to  him,  cast  one  lin- 
gering look  back  at  the  house,  then  put  his  horse 
into  a  gallop  through  the  gate  of  the  court,  and 
was  followed  by  his  men.  When  the  retainers 
called  after  him  threatening  words,  the  angry  voice 
of  Isanbart  commanded  silence.  But  the  Prince 
sat  mute,  with  heavy  thoughts,  by  his  cold  hi-nnli. 

Behind  the  travellers  a  horse's  hoofs  clattered 
on  the  frozen  ground.  Bero  drew  his  horse  up  to 
Ingo's  side,  and  after  he  had  ridden  by  him  for  a 
a  while,  began,  "  It  was  I  who  brought  thy  com- 
radcs  to  thee ;  to-day  I  would  like  to  show  thee 
good-will :  the  village  in  which  I  dwell  lies  on 
thy  road ;  may  it  please  thee,  Hero,  to  turn  in 
with  me,  and  try  peasant  fare  ?" 


INQO.  171 

"  I  advise  thee,  my  lord,"  said  Berthar,  "  to 
accept  the  invitation  of  the  freeman ;  for  I  have 
found  him  well-disposed,  and  a  prudent  coun- 
sellor." 

"  Thou  art  not  the  only  one  of  thy  race  who 
has  been  well-disposed  towards  us  since  we  were 
in  the  Prince's  territory,"  replied  Ingo,  with  a 
sorrowful  smile.  The  Hero  agreed  to  the  visit, 
whereupon  Bero,  pleased,  turned  his  nag  along  a 
side  path. 

Rothari  followed  them  with  a  loud  call.  "  Your 
first  resting-place  must  be  my  house,"  exclaimed 
the  burly  man,  stretching  out  his  hand  from  his 
horse,  and  shaking  many  by  the  hand.  "  Cast  thy 
cares  behind  thee,  Hero,  and  do  not  be  angry 
with  all  because  thou  hast  parted  with  one 
in  displeasure  ;"  and  riding  by  Ingo,  he  continued, 
confidentially,  "In  our  district  also  many  are 
astonished  that  thy  sword  did  not  give  the  last 
honours  to  a  wrangler ;  for  the  man  and  his  family 
have  enemies  among  the  people,  because  they  are 
unjust ;  and  I  am  one  of  those  enemies."  Thus  he 
trotted  on  among  the  guests,  with  comforting 
words,  sometimes  whirling  his  spear  in  the  air, 
and  relating  jovial  accounts  of  travels,  till  the 
strangers  listening  to  him  laughed. 

When  on  the  following  morning  the  first  dawn 


172  INGO. 

of  clay  shone  in  the  dark  room,  Irmgard  rose 
gently  from  herHoed,  that  she  might  not  awake 
her  sleeping  guardian,  and  she  said  to  herself,  "  I 
dreamt  that  one  was  standing  by  the  torrent 
above,  expecting  me.  The  bank  of  the  running 
Hood  has  been  travelled  over ;  loosened  is  the  pine- 
tree  which  clung  to  our  ground ;  down  the  valley 
it  drives  with  the  water,  betwixt  ice  and  stones, 
and  never  shall  I  see  it  again.  I  know  not  what 
I  care  for  in  life,  since  he  has  gone  from  us." 
She  threw  a  dark  covering  round  her  dressj 
opened  softly  the  door,  and  stepped  into  the 
empty  court.  "  Who  will  unlock  the  gate  for 
me?"  she  said,  standing  before  it;  but  when 
she  touched  it,  she  found  the  wooden  bolt  of  the 
barrier  drawn  out.  She  went  through  the  gate, 
and  hastened  over  the  snow  up  the  mountain  to 
the  place  where  she  had  formerly  found  her  loved 
one.  But  when  she  came  near,  she  perceived  by 
the  torrent,  in  the  twilight,  a  tall  figure ;  she  was 
frightened,  and  stopped.  Then  Ingo  hasten- -i 
towards  her.  "I  thought  I  should  find  you  in 
this  place,  and  that  feeling  brought  me  on  my 
speedy  horse  through  the  night. 

"  The  King  rides  among  enemies,"  answered 
Irmgard,  "  because  my  family  have  broken  faith 
with  him.  Bitter  is  the  thought,  and  hateful  is 


INGO.  173 

life  to  me ;  for  thou  wilt  be  angry  with  us  when 
thou  thinkest.  in  the  hour  ol  danger,  on  the  hall  of 
my  father." 

"  1  think  of  thee  wheresoever  I  tarry/'  exclaimed 
Ingo ;  '•  from  thee  I  hope  for  all  the  welfare  of  my 
days.  Thou  art  most  dear  to  me,  and  strong  is 
thy  courage  ;  therefore  I  place  to-day  in  thy  hand 
the  threads  on  which,  as  the  Priestess  said,  my 
fate  hangs."  He  presented  to  her  a  little  pouch  of 
otter  skin,  with  strong  straps  upon  it.  Irrngard 
looked  timidly  at  the  gift.  "  It  contains  the 
magic  dragon,"  continued  Ingo,  softly,  "  the  vic- 
torious talisman  of  the  Romans,  as  our  warriors 
imagine,  and  also  my  fate.  In  the  King's  Castle 
the  Romans  have  been  distributing  gold ;  it  is 
possible  that  the  King's  men  may  work  me  evil. 
If  they  kill  me  and  my  followers,  the  Romans 
shall  not  gain  again  what,  as  they  say,  ensures 
them  the  victory.  Therefore  keep  the  purple  for 
me  till  I  ask  for  it ;  but  if  my  enemies  accomplish 
their  work,  then  carry  the  talisman  to  the  death - 
mound  they  raise  over  me,  and  bury  it  there  deep 
in  the  earth." 

Irmgard  took  the  pouch,  held  it  with  both 
hands,  and  her  tears  rolled  down  on  it.  "  A 
stranger  wilt  thou  be  to  the  hearth  of  my  father, 
but  thou  remained  my  guest-friend,  Ingo,  and 


174  INGO. 

thou  shalt  dwell  near  my  heart.  Here  I  keep 
what  thou  givest  ine,  and  I  pray  to  the  Gods  of 
fate  that  this  pledge  ma}1  win  me  a  share  in  th/ 
lot.  Had  I  been  born  a  boy,  as  my  parents  wish, 
I  could  follow  thee  on  thy  path ;  but  lonely 
shall  I  sit,  with  closed  lips,  in  a  joyless  house,  and 
I  will  think  of  thee  whom  only  the  hawks  behold, 
the  wild  birds,  when  they  fly  betwixt  heaven 
and  man's  earth.  For  restlessly  dost  thou  wander, 
noble  man,  to  hostile  walls,  under  wailing  winds 
and  falling  rime." 

"  Do  not  sorrow,  friend,"  said  Ingo,  imploringly, 
"  for  I  do  not  fear  that  the  enemy  will  succeed  in 
killing  me ;  if  the  cold  snow  whirls  about  me, 
my  heart  is  glad,  for  I  have  confidence  in  thee 
whom  I  care  for.  By  night  and  by  day  it  will  be 
my  thought  how  I  can  win  thee." 

"  He  whom  the  father  is  angry  with,  and  whom 
the  mother  hates,  loves  the  child :  can  there  be 
greater  sorrow  on  earth  ?"  said  Irmgard,  sadly. 

He  embraced  her,  and  said  tenderly,  "  Conceal 
thy  love  before  others,  as  the  tree  conceals  its 
strength  in  the  earth  when  the  summer  passes 
away.  Now  the  wild  power  of  the  winter-giant 
rages  around  us;  the  riches  of  the  fields  are 
covered  with  a  white  hearse-cloth.  Do  thou, 
friend,  also  bear  quietly  the  icy  burden.  Wli<-a 


INGO.  17"> 

the  buds  burst,  and  the  young  green  sprouts  from 
the  earth,  then  look  out  at  the  spring  sun,  and 
listen  for  the  song  of  the  wild  swans  as  they 
pass  through  the  air." 

"  I  will  conceal  and  wait,"  answered  Irmgard, 
solemnly;  "but  do  thou  think,  when  the  storm 
rages  about  thy  head,  that  I  am  lamenting  and 
calling  to  thee  ;  and  when  the  soft  sun  laughs 
upon  thee,  that  I  weep  for  thee." 

She  tore  a  ribbon  from  her  dress,  and  tied  it 
round  his  arm.  "  Thus  I  bind  thee  to  me,  that 
thou  mayest  know  that  thou  belongest  to  me,  as 
I  do  to  thee ;  "  and  she  threw  her  arms  round  his 
neck,  and  held  him  in  a  firm  embrace. 

Near  them  sounded  the  discordant  cry  of  a 
bird  of  prey.  "  The  watchman  warns  us  that 
thou  must  depart  from  me,"  exclaimed  Ingo: 
"  bless  me,  Iringard,  that  my  journey  may  be 
prosperous  for  thee  and  me."  He  bent  his  head 
under  her  hands,  but  she  held  her  arms  around 
him,  moved  her  fingers,  and  whispered  the  bless- 
ing." Then  he  embraced  her  once  more,  with 
the  deep  sorrow  of  parting,  and  sprang  upwards 
into  the  pine-forest.  Irmgard  stood  again  alone 
betwixt  rock  and  forest,  and  around  her  blew 
the  winter  snow. 

Late  in  the  morning  the  Vandals  rode  from 


176  INGO. 

Rothari's  house;  among  them  was  Ingo,  in  an 
elevated  state  of  mind,  although  silent,  for  liis 
thoughts  flew  back  to  the  lady  in  the  Prince's 
house.  About  mid-day  they  came  to  the  village 
that  is  called  in  the  country  "the  free  moor,"  where 
stood  Bero's  residence.  The  sun  shone  brightly  on 
the  white  covering  of  the  earth,  and  the  rime  glit- 
tered on  the  heads  of  the  willows.  The  bridge  over 
the  village  ditch  was  adorned  with  green  pine- 
branches,  and  near  the  watchman's  house  stood 
the  country  people,  in  festive  attire,  and  in  front 
of  them  Bero  and  his  six  sons,  strong  young 
men,  with  powerful  limbs  and  large  hands.  Bero 
exclaimed,  "We  are  the  last  of  the  district 
comrades  who  dwell  along  your  road,  and  we  hope 
to  keep  you  warm  under  our  thatched  roofs  till 
you  ride  into  a  foreign  country."  The  horse- 
men dismounted  joyfully,  and  walked  amongst 
the  country  people  in  the  village.  "We  divide 
the  hospitality  amongst  us,"  continued  Bero, 
"  that  every  one  of  the  neighbours  may  have  the 
honour  of  a  guest-friend;  and  if  it  please  the 
young  fellows,  we  will,  after  the  repast,  have  a 
dance  with  our  boys  and  maidens  in  a  spacious 
room,  or  on  a  well  swept  barn-floor,  as  is  our 
custom."  Then  he  himself  took  the  bridle  of 
Ingo's  horse,  and  led  his  noble  guest  through  the 


INGO.  177 

open  gate  of  the  courtyard.  Whilst  his  sons 
unsaddled  the  horses,  and  provided  them  with 
corn,  the  heroes  stepped  in  front  of  the  house, 
on  whose  threshold  Frida's  mother,  with  her 
maidens,  awaited  the  stranger,  and  offered  her 
sunburnt  hand.  Upon  the  firm  clay  floor  of  the 
broad  hall  stood  a  table,  ready  laid,  with  wooden 
chairs  round  it;  from  the  raised  gallery  in  the 
background,  blue-eyed,  flaxen-headed  children 
peeped  out,  and  when  the  guests  smiled  at 
them,  concealed  their  heads  shyly  behind  the 
balustrade.  "  Call  the  guests  to  the  repast,"  said 
the  peasant  to  his  wife,  "  and  bring  the  best  that 
you  can,  for  they  are  accustomed  to  princely 
fare."  Ingo  invited  the  Hostess  to  sit  by  him, 
but  she  declined,  and  carried  the  dishes  up  and 
down  herself.  "  That  appears  to  me  a  good 
custom,"  declared  Bero,  "  for  the  eyes  of  the 
Hostess  see  quickest  what  is  wanting  to  the 
guests,  and  besides,  it  would  sometimes  be 
troublesome  to  the  Host  for  the  servants  to  hear 
the  conversation." 

The  Hostess  offered  many  dishes ;  she  carried 
them  about  incessantly,  and  urged  every  one  to 
take  of  them.  At  last  the  Host  took  the  King  and 
Berthar  to  his  room;  there  the  three  sat  down 
by  a  small  table,  and  he  gave  them  mugs  of 

12 


178  INGO. 

strong  mead,  black  with  age,  and  thick  as  honry 
just  dropped  from  the  comb.  "  This  drink  \\  as 
brewed  by  my  mother  when  she  came  to  this 
house,"  he  said,  in  commendation  of  it.  He 
raised  his  mug,  drank  the  health  of  his  guests, 
and  began  solemnly,  "  Our  ancients  tell  us  that 
once  upon  a  time  a  God  created  the  nobles,  the 
free  peasants,  and  the  serfs,  when  he  was  wander- 
ing over  the  garden  of  the  earth.  To  each  he  gave 
special  gifts :  to  you  nobles  to  lead  the  people  in 
battle,  where  we  follow  you ;  to  us,  on  the  other 
hand,  to  manage  the  fields  in  summer  am  I  \\  intn  •; 
to  the  serfs  to  work  carefully  with  bent  backs. 
Neither  the  noble  ner  the  free  peasant  can  do,  the 
one  without  the  other.  You  heroes  could  not  gain 
fame  if  we  did  not  follow  you  on  the  battle-heath, 
and  we  could  not  cultivate  securely  if  you  did  not 
preserve  us,  by  counsel  and  arms,  from  hostile 
neighbours.  You  have  the  most  honour  in  battle — 

O 

for  seldom  does  the  minstrel  celebrate  the  warlike 
deeds  of  the  peasant;  but  your  life  is  without 
repose,  and  restlessly  do  the  families  of  the  nobles 
move  about,  while  we  dwell  lastingly  on  our 
acres ;  and  if"  the  Host  is  slain,  and  his  house 
burnt,  yet  his  sons  walk  in  the  shoes  of  their 
fathers,  and  build  and  establish  themselves  again 
upon  the  land." 


INGO.  179 

The  guests  were  pleased  with  this  excellent 
speech,  and  nodded  their  approbation. 

Bero  continued  cautiously,  "  Now,  ye  heroes, 
I  have  during  many  weeks  watched  you,  and 
have  perceived  and  learnt  that  you  think  rightly, 
and  live  with  good  discipline ;  therefore  I  think 
we  might  well  be  useful  to  one  another.  Hope 
nothing  from  our  nobles;  many  among  them 
know  not  how  to  assist  themselves;  and  expect 
nothing  from  the  King,  for  he  suspects  and 
envies  every  one  who  does  not  serve  him. 
Seek  therefore  your  safety  with  the  peasants. 
When  I  led  thee,  Hero  Berthar,  from  the  South, 
I  spoke  to  thee  a  little  of  my  secret,  as  one  speaks 
to  a  stranger ;  but  to-day  I  will  fully  confide  in 
thee.  I  have  been  guest-friend,  as  were  my 
ancestors,  with  the  freemen  at  Idisbach.  They 
belong  to  an  honest  people  called  the  Marvingians. 
They  are  blood-relations  to  us  Thuringians,  but 
for  a  long  time  they  have  dwelt  by  themselves 
in  the  valleys  by  the  stream  of  Idis — one  of  the 
mighty  Weird  Sisters.  They  have  for  years  lost 
their  race  of  Princes  and  their  best  warriors, 
because  these  became  hostile  to  them,  and  went 
westward,  among  the  Franks,  for  game  and  booty. 

"  Since  then,  those  that  remained  behind  have 
been  oppressed  by  our  settlers  on  the  other  side  of 


1  SO  INGO. 

the  mountains,  and  southward,  towards  the  Main, 
by  the  Burgundians.  The  double  oppression  lias 
become  insupportable  to  them,  and  a  portion  are 
preparing  secretly,  when  the  trees  become  green 
again,  also  to  travel  away,  and  follow  the  Prince. 
Therefore  in  the  autumn  I  rode  over  the  moun- 
tains, in  order  to  exchange  horses  and  draught- 
oxen  for  their  swine,  which  they  could  not 
slaughter  themselves.  There  I  saw  delightful 
meadow  land  to  be  bought  cheap,  and  I  thought 
of  the  boys  on  my  manor.  But  my  guest-friends 
complained  to  me — such  of  them  as  wished  to 
ivmain  in  the  land  of  their  fathers — that  their 
small  swarm  of  bees  were  in  want  of  a  queen  bee  ; 
lor  they  are  without  a  race  of  Princes  who  could 
maintain  friendship  for  them  with  the  neighbours, 
or  lead  -them  in  glorious  struggles  against  the 
rapacious  nobles  on  the  boundary.  But  the 
peasants  of  Idisthal  will  not  become  Thuringians 
nor  Burgundians,  but  keep  their  own  customs; 
and  would  rather  ally  themselves  to  a  foreign 
race  than  to  our  nobles;  but  least  of  all  with  our 
King.  Therefore  I  think  of  thee,  Hero  Ingo  ; 
for  there  are  few  of  you,  and  more  of  them  ;  and 
you  could  not  oppress  them.  There  I  advise  you 
to  go  in  the  spring.  Whether  it  will  be  for  your 
welfare  you  must  judge  yourself;  but  to  those  who 


US'GO.  181 

would  cultivate  the  land  it  would  be  an  advan- 
tage, and  therefore  I  counsel  it  to  you." 

"Pay  attention  to  his  speech,  my  King," 
exclaimed  Berthar ;  "  this  is  the  best  news  that 
thou  hast  heard  for  a  long  time,  and  every  word 
is  true.  I  myself  saw  the  land,  and  spoke  witli 
the  men.  We  had  ridden  northwards  from  the 
Main,  over  the  frontiers  of  Burgundy,  through 
barren  pine-woods  and  sandy  heather  :  there  we 
looked  from  the  heights  upon  a  wide  valley, 
through  which  was  a  running  stream,  which  they 
call  the  brook  of  the  Weird  Sister,  the  holy  Idis  ; 
steep  wooded  hills,  and  on  the  meadows  such 
high  grass  that  our  horses  had  difficulty  in  pass- 
ing through  it.  There  I  know  is  a  hill-sh >JH>, 
well  suited  for  a  King's  Castle,  as  from  a  watch- 
tower  one  looks  over  the  Idisthal,  and.  over  the 
forest  far  beyond  the  Main." 

Ingo  laughed.  "  Dost  thou  also,  grey  wanderer, 
hope  for  carpenter's  work,  and  a  warm  seat  by 
thine  own  hearth  ?  Strange  is  the  fate  of  the 
wanderer:  the  Prince  sends  me  from  his  house, 
and  the  peasant  offers  me  a  country  just  when  we 
are  again  wandering  without  a  hold  on  the  earth, 
like  the  clouds  which  drive  about  under  the  sun. 
Only  one  thing  1  fear,  thou  wise  Host :  I  must  ride 
through  the  walls  of  King  Bisino  to  the  Idisbach." 


182  INGO. 

"Avoid  the  King,"  said  Bero,  warningly ;  "make 
thy  way  over  the  boundary;  thus  wilt  thou  be 
clear  of  him." 

"Be  not  angry,"  answered  Ingo,  "  if  I  this  time 
rush  into  danger  like  a  wandering  hero,  and  do 
not  go  round  about  like  a  settler.  I  have  given 
an  answer  to  the  King's  invitation  that  I  would 
come,  and  I  will  keep  my  word,  although  he  is 
ill-disposed  towards  me.  Even  thou  wilt  not 
blame  my  expedition.  For  if  I  now  avoid  the 
King,  he  will  learn  my  hostile  feeling ;  and  when 
our  boys,  as  thou  wishest,  desire  in  the  spring  to 
form  an  enclosure  not  far  from  his  boundary,  his 
wrath  will  speedily  prepare  a  dark  fate  for  the 
settlers  at  Idisbach."  He  seized  the  hand  of  the 
peasant,  and  continued,  "In  everything  else  I  will 
follow  thy  advice;  and  therefore  tell  me  now  how 
I  ought  to  deal  with  thy  guest-friends  about  the 
possession  of  the  land,  that  we  may  enter  into  an 
alliance  for  our  spring  journey." 

The  heroes  bent  their  heads,  and  sat  long  in 
conversation;  whilst  outside  the  shawms  and  baor- 

'  O 

pipes  sounded,  and  the  shoutiag  couples  went  to 
the  dance. 


INGO.  183 


VIL 

IXGO  AT  THE   KING'S   COURT. 

WOLF,  who  led  the  vanguard,  stopped  upon  a 
height,  and  pointed  with  his  hand  to  the  distance. 
In  front  of  the  travelling  band  rose  from  the 
snow-covered  landscape  the  mighty  stone  build- 
ing, the  King's  Castle,  with  high  walls,  solid 
towers  with  battlements,  and  amidst  them  the 
red-brown  tiled  roof  of  the  King's  house — a  fear- 
ful sight  for  the  roving  comrades.  "  It  may  be 
easy  for  birds  to  enter  into  such  a  cage,  but  it  is 
not  every  one  that  will  succeed  in  flying  out  of 
it,"  muttered  Berthar.  The  tones  of  a  short  horn 
sounded  from  the  distant  battlement.  "  The 
warders  arc  stirring  themselves;  now  trot,  that 
they  may  perceive  our  eagerness." 

The  strangers  rode  through  a  hollow  path 
betwixt  two  rocks,  up  to  the  stone  outwork 
which  was  built  in  front  of  the  bridge,  the  top 
of  which  was  garrisoned  with  armed  men.  "  The 


184  INGO. 

boys  have  closed  the  gates,  in  order  to 
tin  inselves  for  our  visit,"  exclaimed  the  old  man, 
.striking  at  the  iron  knocker  of  the  door.  The 
watchman  from  the  top  enquired  their  nan  us, 
and  what  they  wanted.  Ingo  answered.  But 
long  did  the  troop  wait,  and  impatiently  did  the 
horses  stamp,  before  the  heavy  creaking  door 
opened,  and  the  drawbridge  fell  to  the  ground. 
The  horsemen  gallopped  into  the  court  of  the 
Castle ;  armed  men  thronged  at  all  the  doors ;  the 
King's  Herald  met  the  guests ;  once  more  there 
were  questions  and  answers ;  then  the  man,  with 
clouded  brow,  advised  them  to  dismount,  and 
guided  the  heroes,  who  led  their  horses  by  the 
bridle,  in  front  of  the  King's  hall. 

"  Where  does  the  Host  tarry  ?"  cried  out  Berthar, 
with  much  displeasure,  to  the  Herald.  "  My  lord 
is  not  accustomed  to  enter  the  threshold  of  a 
house  before  the  Master  of  it  stands  there."  But 
at  the  same  moment  the  door  of  the  hall  opened, 
and  King  Bisino  stood  in  a  circle  of  his  nobles  at 
the  entrance;  Queen  Gisela  by  his  side.  Ingo 
ascended  the  steps,  and  bowed. 

"  Long  have  we  expected  thee  in  vain, 
stranger,  and  tardy  have  been  the  steps  of  thy 
horse  from  tho  forest  to  my  dwelling,"  began  tlm 
King,  with  a  gloomy  look.  But 


INGO.  185 

Queen  Gisela  stepped  forward;  she  offered  her 
white  hand  to  the  Hero  in  welcome,  and  nodded  a 
greeting  to  his  followers.  "When  I  was  a  child, 
not  taller  than  my  son  here,  I  saw  thee,  my  lord, 
in  the  hall  of  the  Burgundians;  but  we  remember 
past  times  and  old  friendships.  Reach  thy  hand 
to  thy  cousin,"  she  commanded  the  boy,  "  and 
take  care  to  become  a  hero  famous  among  the 
people,  as  he  is." 

The  child  held  out  his  hand  to  the  guest.    Insfo 

O  9 

raised  up  the  little  one,  and  kissed  him ;  and  the 
boy  clung  confidingly  round  the  neck  of  the  man. 
Now  also  the  King  approached  him.  Between 
the  royal  pair  Ingo  walked  into  the  hall,  and 
exchanged  words  of  greeting  with  them  both,  till 
the  King  commanded  the  Herald  to  take  the 
foreign  guests  to  their  quarters.  Ingo  returned 
to  his  followers ;  the  countenances  of  the  Thurin- 
gians  became  more  friendly;  one  warrior  after 
another  went  up  to  the  strangers,  greeted  them, 
and  accompanied  them  to  the  apartment  which 
was  destined  for  the  dwelling  of  the  guests.  The 
servants  carried  them  food  and  drink,  cushions 
and  coverlets ;  and  again  the  Herald  came  to 
invite  Ingo  to  the  King's  repast. 

It  was  late  in  the  evening  when  Ingo,  accom- 
panied by  one  of  the  King's  chamberlains  and 


186  IXGO. 

the  torch-bearer,  returned  to  the  apartment  of 
his  men.  Berthar  was  sitting  alone  at  the  door  of 
the  apartment ;  he  held  his  battle-sword  between 
his  legs ;  his  shield  was  propped  up  against  the 
post;  his  grey  beard  and  the  breastplate  under 
the  woollen  coat  glistened  in  the  torchlight. 
Jngo  dismissed  the  King's  servants  with  a  greet- 
ing, and  Berthar  placed  the  torch  in  the  large 
socket  of  an  iron  candlestick,  which  towered  up 
to  the  height  of  a  man  in  the  middle  of  the 
room.  The  light  shone  on  the  rows  of  men  who 
were  sleeping  on  the  cushions  on  the  floor,  their 
swords  by  their  sides,  and  their  helmets  on  their 
heads,  and  with  their  coats-of-mail  on.  "  Thou 
keepest  true  watch,  father,"  said  Ingo;  how 
dotst  thou  like  our  new  Hosts  ?" 

"  They  squint,  "  said  the  old  man,  laughing. 
"  There  is  a  proverb  that  the  greater  the  K  ing  the 
more  savage  are  the  fleas  in  the  sleeping  coverlet 
which  he  has  prepared  for  the  wandering  guest. 
Meagre  was  the  evening  fare  ordered  by  the  Host, 
but  the  Queen  sent  wine  and  dainties,  and  thy 
boys  lie  satis6ed  and  travel-weary  by  their 
shields.  It  is  a  roomy  building,"  he  continued, 
spying  into  the  dark  corners ;  "  there,  in  a  com- 
partment of  the  gallery,  the  Prince's  bed  has  been 
put  up.  Observe,  my  King,  under  the  stone  walls 


INGO.  .        187 

of  this  gigantic  Castle,  this  is  the  only  wooden 
structure ;  it  stands  apart,  against  the  wall  which 
towers  above  it  at  the  back  ;  and  if  one  of  the 
King's  men  .should  at  night  put  a  torch  to  the 
wood-work,  and  close  the  door,  then  the  hall 
will  blaxe  up  in  flames  without  noise,  and  the 
crackling  will  not  disturb  the  repose  of  the  Castle 
gentlemen." 

Ingo  exchanged  a  significant  look  with  the  old 
man,  and  asked  in  a  low  tone,  "  How  was  the 
greeting  of  the  King's  men  ?  " 

"They  sneak  like  foxes  about  the  nest;  they 
are  little  accustomed  to  Court  manners;  they 
boasted  of  the  power  of  their  ruler,  and  ex- 
amined closely  our  weapons.  I  observe,  my  lord, 
they  all  hope  to  exchange  sharp  sword-blows 
with  us.  My  King  has  at  times  been  surrounded 
by  enemies,  but  never  was  the  enclosure  so  fast." 

"  King  Bisino  does  not  yet  know  what  he 
intends  to  do,"  replied  Ingo,  "  but  the  Queen  is 
well-disposed  towards  us." 

"  None  of  the  Court  retinue  boasted  to  me  that 
the  Queen  was  beautiful,"  replied  the  old  man, 
"  therefore  I  perceive  that  they  are  afraid  of  their 
mistress.  Perhaps  fear  of  my  King  will  give  us 
to-night  quiet  sleep.  I  will  extinguish  the  torch, 
that  its  light  may  not  betray  to  any  spear  the 


188  INGO. 

sleeping-places.    The  first  night  in  a  dwelling  is 
always  the  most  full  of  anxiety  to  a  guest." 

"  Perhaps  also  the  last,"  replied  Ingo.  "  It 
becomes  me  to  watch,  father;  I  scud  thee  to 
thy  bed." 

"Dost  thou  think  that  the  old  man  would 
sleep  when  thine  eyes  are  not  closed?"  He 
brought  a  seat  for  Ingo  close  to  the  entrance, 
where  the  shadow  concealed  him ;  then  he  seated 
himself  again  on  his  stool,  placed  his  hand  on  the 
hilt  of  his  sword,  listened  to  the  noise  in  the 
court,  and  gazed  some  time  at  the  starry  heaven 
of  the  fresh  winter  night.  "The  stars  also  are 
sitting  above  there,  as  they  say,  on  their  silver 
chairs,  and  ward  off  evil  from  the  oppressed  man 
who  looks  up  to  them  in  prayer,"  began  Berthar, 
piously.  "  I  am  an  old  trunk,  and  it  is  time  that 
I  should  be  felled :  for  thee  also,  my  King,  I  have 
sometimes  longed  for  a  fight  with  noble  eix 
as  a  glorious  end  of  thy  troubles.  But  now  I  be- 
hold in  the  forest  a  good  woman,  who  is  faithfully 
minded  towards  thee;  and  yet  I  fear  for  thee  the 
dark  night-clouds  which  divide  us  from  the  star- 
light, and  I  fear  the  night-storm  driving  about 
this  wooden  roof;  for  in  the  darkness  I  think 
tli«-  King  may  do  what  his  bad  spirit  suggests  to 
him." 


INGO.  189 

"  Thou  knowest,  father,  that  we  have  many  a 
time  overcome  cold  hospitality,"  answered  Ingo. 

The  old  man  smiled  at  the  remembrance,  and 
continued,  "  I  am  always  pleased  when  the  iron 
flies  in  the  air,  and  there  is  a  free  field,  and 
better  li<rht  than  from  flickering  wood.  Yet  thou 

O  O 

speakest  well,  0  King,  for  there  is  much  that  is 
insecure  on  the  earth;  but  nothing  deceives  so 
much  as  anticipation  before  the  combat.  The 
longer  one  has  wandered  about  with  spear  and 
sword,  the  less  one  cherishes  thoughts  concerning 
the  end.  And,  in  fact,  1  suspect  that  the  Weird 
Sisters  cast  our  lots  before  the  fight  with  smiling 
faces.  They  hurl  us  into  the  greatest  danger, 
as  if  in  jest,  and  pull  us  out  again  merrily  by 
the  hairs  of  our  head;  and  another  time  they 
intoxicate  our  minds  with  dreams  of  victory, 
and  lay  us  dead  on  the  heath.  But  as  they  try 
the  hearts  of  men,  at  last  they  rejoice  over  us 
fighting  boys  on  earth  now,  and  later  elsewhere." 

This  speech  was  interrupted  by  a  slight  whiz- 
zing, and  a  blow ;  an  arrow  flew  out  of  the  court 
towards  the  place  where  Ingo  sat ;  the  iron  struck 
on  the  sword  scabbard,  and  the  arrow  sank  on  the 
floor.  The  men  remained  immovable,  but  no  cry 
and  no  attack  followed  the  assault. 

"  Seek  thy  bed,  thou  fool !"  exclaimed  Berthar. 


190  INGO. 

pointing  to  a  dark  shadow  which  disappeared 
by  the  houses  in  the  darkness.  He  raised  up 
the  messenger  of  death.  "  The  arrow  is  from  a 
hunting  quiver." 

"  It  is  a  ware  Tertullus  has  left  behind  for  us," 
replied  Ingo ;  "  King  Bisino  would  not  send  us  so 
weak  a  greeting." 

The  heroes  sat  waiting,  but  nothing  stirred 
njnin  ;  the  stars  retired  slowly  on  their  chairs  to 
the  celestial  vault;  the  King's  Castle  lay  in  dark- 
ness and  deep  silence.  At  last  Bcrthar  began: 
"The  drunken  boys  of  the  Host  lie  now  asleep  ; 
it  is  time  that  thou  also  shouldst  think  of  rest." 
He  went  to  the  sleepers,  and  shook  up  the 
chamberlain,  Wolf;  the  young  warrior  sprang 
nimbly  to  his  feet,  and  accompanied  his  master 
to  his  bed ;  then  he  seized  his  shield  and  spear, 
and  stood  by  the  old  man  at  the  door  till  the 
first  dawn  of  daylight  appeared  in  the  sky. 

On  the  following  day  a  great  hunt  was  an- 
nounced. The  horses  pawed  the  ground  in  the 
open  space  before  the  King's  hall ;  the  packs  of 
wolf-dogs  and  hounds  barked — with  difficulty 
held  in  leashes  by  the  strong  foresters.  The 
men  collected  in  joyful  crowds,  awaiting  the 
King.  Ingo  also  stood  with  a  portion  of  his 
followers,  leaning  on  his  horse,  in  expectation  of 


IXGO.  101 

the  departure.  At  last  the  King  came,  who 
loved  the  forest  work  still  more  than  a  good 
drink  by  the  hearth ;  he  had  on  a  hunting  dress, 
and  a  heavy  hunting  spear  in  his  hand.  The 
horns  sounded  the  morning  greeting.  He  ap- 
proached Ingo  in  a  friendly  way,  and  asked 
aloud,  "  How  was  thy  night's  rest,  cousin  ?  I 
had  not  heard  before  that  thou  wast  a  blood- 
friend  of  the  Queen's  from  the  time  of  your 
fathers ;  thou  art  welcome  as  a  relation  also  at 
my  Court." 

The  King's  men  listened  to  the  words,  and 
looked  with  astonishment  at  one  another.  But 
Ingo  answered  respectfully,  "  I  thank  the  King 
for  greeting  me  so  graciously." 

"Come  on,"  continued  Bisino ;  "try  the  strength 
of  thy  spear  by  our  side  to-day."  He  mounted 
his  horse,  the  gate  flew  open,  the  bridge  was 
swung  down,  and  the  hounds  started  out  into 
the  open  ground — behind  them  the  hoi-semen. 
Ingo's  horse  also  pranced  joyfully,  rejoicing,  like 
his  master,  in  having  the  free  ground  under  his 
feet.  He  rode  by  the  King,  who  scrutinized  the 
noble  figure  and  the  firm  strength  with  which 
Ingo  restrained  his  powerful  hunting  hoist-. 
Sometimes  he  called  him  to  his  side,  and  spuko 
to  him  confidentially,  as  to  an  old  comrade,  so 


192  INGO. 

that  one  of  the  King's  boys  whispered  to  another, 
"  Why  does  the  cat  announce  the  mouse  as  his 
wife's  cousin,  when  he  holds  it  in  his  claws  ?  " 

But  that  was  not  the  King's  intention.  He 
was  pleased  with  Ingo,  and  besides,  had  heard 
favourable  words  concerning  him  from  the  Queen, 
and  also  from  his  young  son,  who  was  his  dearest 
object  on  earth.  And  the  King  thought,  he  is 
truly  a  cheerful  companion,  and  it  makes  one 
glad  to  see  him ;  why  should  I  not  show  him 
kindness,  so  long  as  I  can  keep  him  among  the 
living  ?  There  are  others  whose  death  would  be 
more  convenient  to  me.  Thus  his  graciousness 
came  really  from  his  heart,  and  he  listened  with 
amusement  to  Ingo's  account  of  the  strength  of 
a  lion  which  he  had  seen  in  a  cage  of  the  Alemann 
King's. 

Soon  the  hunting  companions  entered  into  a 
higher  oak  wood.  Hitherto  the  eyes  of  the  Queen 
had  looked  after  them  from  the  battlements  of 
her  tower.  Now  she  called  to  her  chamberlain 
and  women,  and  descended  into  the  empty  court. 
She  stopped,  to  the  astonishment  of  her  attend- 
ants, at  the  kitchen,  and  spoke  a  few  words 
about  the  roast  for  the  feast  to  the  cook,  who 
seldom  enjoyed  such  an  honour,  and  gladly 
promised  to  employ  his  best  skill  in  preparing 


IXGO.  193 

the  dishes  for  the  hunting  repast.  When  she 
came  to  the  hall  where  the  strangers  lodged, 
she  heard  the  strokes  of  a  hammer.  Berthar 
was  sitting  at  the  door,  sharpening  the  iron  of 
his  spear  with  a  hammer  on  a  stone,  and  sing- 
ing, in  a  low  tone,  a  good  incantation  for  sharp 
iron.  The  Queen  stopped,  made  a  sign  of  com- 
mand to  her  followers  to  retire,  and  stood  near 
the  steps,  watching  the  man  at  his  work ;  till  at 
last  the  latter  looked  up,  threw  away  his  skin 
apron  and  the  hammer,  and  approached  the 
Queen,  doing  homage.  "  What  game  dost  thou 
think  of  slaying  with  thy  iron,  Hero  of  King 
Ingo  ? "  inquired  Queen  Gisela,  "  that  thou  re- 
mainest  in  the  Castle  whilst  the  hounds  are 
running  outside  ? " 

"  I  am  sharpening  my  store  for  another  hunting 
cry,"  replied  Berthar;  "  reports  of  the  King's  plea.- 
sure  in  hunting  are  far  spread  in  the  land." 

"  Unwillingly  will  thy  lord  do  without  his  old 
companion  in  the  forest." 

"  My  master  can  easily  slay  the  game  which 
springs  in  the  light  <5f  the  sun,  with  only  hia 
boys ;  I  will  not  fail  him  at  the  wolf-chase  in  the 
night." 

The  Queen  fixed  her  eyes  upon  him,  and  went 
some  steps  nearer.  "  'Tis  not  for  the  first  time  that 

13 


194-  INGO. 

I  see  thee,  Eerthar ;  since  then  the  white  hairs 
have  come  upon  thy  head,  but  I  know  thee 
again." 

"  Uncertain  is  the  memory  of  the  old :  I  have 
Heen  many  people  since  my  lord  has  wandered 
homeless.  The  sparks  flew  into  mine  eyes  when 
my  house  in  my  native  land  was  burned,  so  that 
I  do  not  recognize  the  beautiful  face  before  me." 

"Thou  hast  reason  to  be  angry,  old  man,  with 
my  family.  The  father  of  thy  King  and  mine 
once  formed  an  alliance,  but  my  brother  Gundomar 
forgot  his  old  oath  ;  he  fought  as  an  ally  of  your 
enemies  on  the  Oder,  and  I,  whilst  still  a  child, 
was  sent  to  be  wife  to  the  King  of  Thuiingia. 
Dost  thou  know  me  now,  Berthar  ? " 

"  The  twig  grows  to  be  a  proud  tree ;  other 
birds  sing  now  in  its  foliage  than  did  in  former 
times." 

"Yet  the  tree  bears  every  year  the  same 
blossoms;  and  the  old  battle-hero  finds  a  fi  in  id 
in  the  Queen.  Art  thou  contented  with  thy 
dwelling  in  the  Castle?  and  have  the  King's  boys 
offered  thee  a  courteous  greeting  ? " 

"  At  Court  the  servants  greet  like  their  mast  IT: 
thy  favour,  O  Queen,  is  surety  for  the  good-will 
of  thy  people." 

The  countenance  of  the  Queen  became  cloudi-d 


INGO.  195 

"  That  is  the  speech  of  a  proud  guest,"  she  con- 
tinued, with  a  constrained  smile;  "I  think  thy 
life  was  more  merry  in  the  forest  huts." 

"  We  are  wanderers,  lady.  A  flexible  mind 
helps  him  who  wanders  homeless  among  the 
people ;  a  house  and  wife  are  denied  him,  and  he 
takes  what  the  day  offers  him, — booty,  drink, 
and  women ;  he  has  no  choice,  and  no  griefs ;  and 
without  anxiety  he  thinks  in  the  evening  of  the 
work  of  the  following  day." 

The  old  man  saw  that  the  Queen  again  smiled. 
She  approached  nearer  to  him,  and  said,  "  There 
in  the  tower  is  the  Queen's  chamber;  if  thou 
shouldst  ever  look  up  at  that  window,  from  thy 
spear,  a  light  will  perhaps  burn  there  which  will 
warn  thee  beforehand  of  the  wolf-chase."  She 
nodded  to  him,  and  turned  to  her  followers ;  but 
the  old  man  looked  at  her  with  astonishment ;  then 
seizing  his  hammer,  recommenced  knocking. 

On  the  following  night  no  arrow  and  no  barking 
of  the  King's  wolves  disturbed  the  sleep  of  the 
foreign  guests.  Every  day  the  King  became  more 
friendly  to  them,  and  extolled  before  his  men 
their  Court  manners  and  their  art  of  managing 
their  horses  in  the  war-games.  Hermin,  the  King's 
young  son,  came  often  to  the  dwelling  of  his 
cousin  Ingo,  exercised  himself  before  him  with 


106  INQO. 

hi>  child- weapons,  stroked  the  grey  beard  of  the 
Hi  TO  Berthar,  and  begged  for  a  merry  tale.  One 
hunting  morning  Ingo  became  still  more  agreeable 
to  the  Host  than  ho  had  been  before.  The  King, 
iii  his  hunting  eagerness,  had  ridden  far  before 
the  others,  and  had  fallen  from  his  horse  on  a 
steep  mountain ;  from  thence  he  slid  down  on  to 
the  ice,  and  lay  for  a  moment  defenceless  before 
the  horns  of  a  wild  ox.  Then  sprang  Ingo,  at 
the  risk  of  his  own  life,  over  the  body  of  the  Kin-,'1 
and  killed  the  raging  beast.  The  King  rose,  and 
limping  from  his  fall,  said,  "Now  that  we  are 
alone,  and  none  of  my  men  near,  I  perceive  thy 
good  disposition;  for  if  thou  hadst  not  sprung 
like  a  hound,  the  furious  beast  would  have-  hurled 
himself  on  me,  to  the  damage  of  my  ribs,  and  no 
one  could  have  reproached  thee.  What  I  know, 
no  one  else  need  know." 

That  day  the  King  sat  joyfully  on  his  royal  seat 
at  the  repast,  next  his  wife  Gisela,  and  Ingo  on 
the  other  side.  "To-day  I  rejoice  in  the  good 
fortune  of  the  chase ;  I  rejoice  in  my  power  and 
the  gold  treasures  that  you  all  see  before  your 
eyes;  and  I  drink  to  the  health  of  the  Hero 
Ingo,  because  he  was  a  good  comrade  in  fight 
with  the  mountain  ox.  Rejoice,  all  of  you,  to-day 
with  me,  when  you  see  the  gold  and  silver  C-MJI.-I 


INGO.  107 

which  are  placed  before  your  eyes,  to  my  honot  r 
and  yours.  Thou,  Ingo,  hast  visited  many  Courts 
of  powerful  rulers :  tell  me,  Hero,  whether  thou 
hast  seen  better  vessels  from  any  of  their  treasure- 
houses." 

"  Gladly  do  I  praise  thy  wealth,  O  King ;  f<  «• 
when  the  treasure-house  is  filled,  we  think  the 
ruler  governs  in  security,  feared  by  hostile  neigh- 
bours and  bad  men  among  the  people.  There 
are  two  virtues  which  I  have  always  heard  ex- 
tolled in  a  powerful  sovereign  :  understanding  to 
collect  treasure  at  the  right  time,  and  to  distribute 
it  at  the  right  time  to  his  faithful  servants,  that 
they  may  follow  him  in  danger." 

These  words  were  quite  in  accordance  with 
the  opinion  of  the  heroes  who  sat  at  the  King's 
table,  and  they  nodded,  and  murmured  approba- 
tion. 

"  The  Alemanni  also  were  a  wealthy  people, 
till  Caesar  devastated  their  land,"  continued  In^o  ; 

O       * 

:'  but  I  think  they  will  regain  much,  for  they  are 
active  after  booty,  and  understand  how  to  deal 
with  traders.  Therefore  they  live  more  like 
Romans  than  other  country  people ;  the  peasants 
also  dwell  in  stone  houses ;  the  women  embroider 
coloured  pictures  on  their  dresses ;  and  round  them 
hang  sweet  grapes  in  vine  arbours." 


1 08  INGO. 

"  Dost  thou  know  the  Roman  women  also  ? ' 
a>ki-d  the  Queen ;  "  the  King's  men  relate  manj 
wonderful  things  of  their  beauty,  although  they 
have  brown  skins  and  black  hair." 

"  They  are  nimble  in  speech,  and  in  the  move- 
ments of  their  limbs,  and  the  greeting  of  theii 
eyes  is  pleasing ;  only  I  heard  that  they  could 
not  boast  of  the  propriety  of  their  conduct,* 
replied  Ingo. 

"  Hast  thou  been  in  Roman  land  ?"  asked  the 
King,  inquisitively. 

"  It  is  two  years,"  said  Ingo,  "  since  I  rode  as 
companion  of  the  young  King  Athanarich  peace- 
fully into  the  walls  of  the  great  Imperial  city 
of  Treves.  I  saw  high  arches  and  stone  walls, 
as  if  erected  by  giants.  The  people  laughed  in 
crowded  throngs  in  the  street ;  but  the  warriors 
who  stood  there  at  the  gates,  with  Roman  tokens 
on  their  shields,  have  our  eyes,  and  speak  our 
language,  although  they  wrongly  boast  of  being 
Romans." 

"  The  strangers  give  us  their  wisdom,  they 
sell  us  gold  and  wine,  but  we  lend  them  power 
of  limb;  I  approve  of  the  exchange,"  rrj.lird 
Hadubald,  to  whom  it  was  not  pleasant  to  hear 
the  Roman  service  despised. 

"  But  I,  0  King,"  began  Berthar,  "  have  little 


INGO.  199 

respect  for  that  wisdom  of  the  Romans.  I  also 
was  formerly  in  the  great  stone  castle  which  the 
Romans  have  built;  first,  when  my  lord  Ingo 
sent  me  southwards  over  the  Danube  to  Augsburg, 
where  now  the  Swabians  have  established  their 
home.  I  rode  in  with  difficulty  over  the  broken 
city  walls;  there  I  saw  much  folly  which  is 
annoying  even  to  a  wandering  man.  The  Roman 
houses  stood  as  thickly  packed  as  a  flock  of 
sheep  in  a  thunderstorm.  I  saw  none  where 
.there  was  room  for  a  court,  nay,  even  for  a 
dunghill.  I  asked  my  Host,  and  he  said,  '  They 
squat,  if  needs  be,  shamelessly,  like  little  dogs 
in  the  street.'  I  lay  in  such  a  stone  hole;  the 
walls  and  the  floors  were  smooth,  and  shone  with 
many  bright  colours.  The  trusty  Swabians  had 
arranged  a  straw  roof  as  a  covering.  I  assure 
you  it  was  uncomfortable  betwixt  the  stone  walls 
during  the  night;  and  I  was  glad  in  the  morning 
when  the  swallows  sang  in  the  straw.  It  had 
rained  in  the  night,  and  in  a  puddle  on  the  floor 
I  saw  by  the  morning  light  two  ducks,  not 
bodily,  but  as  if  painted  on  the  stone  of  the 
floor.  I  went  up  to  it.  stuck  my  axe  into  the 
stone  floor,  and  found  a  ludicrous  work  put 
together  of  many  little  stones  ;  every  stone  was 
cemented  to  the  floor,  and  above  polished  as 


200  INGO. 

fine  as  a  stone  axe.  From  such  coloured  stones 
were  the  birds  made  which  we  knpw  as  ducks ; 
and  it  was  a  work  over  which  many  men  nm^t. 
have  been  occupied  many  days,  only  to  polish 
the  hard  stone.  That  appeared  to  me  quite 
foolish,  and  my  Swabian  thought  so  also." 

"  Perhaps  the  duck  is  a  holy  bird  to  them, 
which  is  not  domestic  there ;  there  are  some 
kinds  of  birds  to  be  found  all  over  the  earth,  and 
others  not,"  said  Balda,  a  sensible  man,  one  of 
the  followers  of  the  Queen. 

"  So  I  thought  also,  but  my  Host  knew  that 
they  prepare  the  like  things  for  their  pleasure,  in 
order  to  tread  upon  them." 

The  men  laughed.  "  Do  not  our  children  also 
make  little  bears  out  of  clay,  and  ovens  out  of 
sand,  and  play  for  days  together  with  trifles  ? 
The  Romans  have  become  like  children,"  ex- 
claimed Balda. 

"  Thou  speakest  right.  They  have  polished 
little  stones  into  birds,  whilst  in  their  forest  the 
warriors  of  Swabia  dwell  in  their  block-houses ; 
also  when  they  eat  they  lie  down  like  women 
who  are  lying-in." 

"  What  thou  bringest  forward  concerning  the 
ducks,"  exclaimed  Wolfgang,  in  an  angry  tone, 
"  is  quite  unimportant  and  foolish ;  for  it  is 


INGO.  201 

peculiar  to  the  Romans  that  they  can  imitato 
everything  in  coloured  stone  —  not  only  birds, 
but  also  lions  and  fighting  warriors.  They 
understand  how  to  form  every  God  and  every 
hero,  so  that  he  stands  up  as  if  living ;  this  they 
do  as  an  honour  to  themselves,  and  as  a  memorial 
to  him." 

"They  rub  upon  the  stones;  and  the  heroes 
who  fight  their  battles  are  of  our  own  blood.  If 
it  is  their  fashion  to  love  journeyman's  work,  it  is 
ours  to  rule  over  journeymen.  I  do  not  piviisi; 
the  hero  who  engages  himself  in  the  service  of  a 
journeyman,"  replied  the  old  man. 

"Dost  thou  call  journeymen  those  who  are 
lords  over  almost  the  whole  earth  ?  Their  race  is 
older,  and  their  traditions  more  glorious  than 
ours,"  exclaimed  Wolfgang  again. 

"  If  they  have  prated  to  thee  of  that,"  retorted 
Berthar,  "they  have  lied:  whether  the  glory  is 
genuine,  and  the  tradition  true,  may  be  known 
to  every  one  by  this — if  it  increases  the  courage  in 
battle  of  those  men  who  boast.  Therefore  I  com- 
pare the  fame  of  the  Romans  to  a  waterspout, 
that  first  rushes  over  the  land,  and  then  dries  up 
into  a  puddle  ;  but  the  fame  of  our  heroes  is  liko 
a  mountain  spring,  which  rushes  over  the  stones, 
and  carries  its  floods  into  the  valley." 


INGO. 

"Yet  the  wise  men  of  the  Romans  are  con- 
fident," interposed  Ingo,  "  that  they  have  become 
more  powerful  than  they  were  before;  for  tin -y 
boast  that  in  the  times  of  their  fathers  a  new 
God  came  into  their  empire,  who  has  given  them 
victory." 

"  I  have  long  observed,"  said  the  King,  "  that 
they  have  a  great  mystery  in  their  Christ.  Their 
faith  also  is  not  entirely  frivolous,  for  they  are  in 
truth  now  more  victorious  than  in  former  times. 
One  hears  much  about  it,  and  no  one  speaks  very 
accurately." 

"  They  have  very  few  Gods,"  declared  Berthar, 
mysteriously,  "  or  perhaps  only  one  with  three 
names.  One  is  called  the  Father,  the  other  the 
Son,  and  the  other  is  called  the  third." 

"The  third  is  called  the  Devil,"  exclaimed 
Wolfgang.  "  I  know  that ;  I  myself  was  at  one 
time  among  the  Christians,  and  I  assure  thee,  O 
King,  their  magic  is  more  powerful  than  any 
other.  I  learnt  their  secret  sign,  and  a  blessing — 
they  call  it  Noster  Pater — that  has  healing  power 
against  every  bodily  injury ; "  and  he  made 
respectfully  a  cross  over  his  wine-cup. 

"Yet,  according  to  my  judgment,"  replied 
Berthar,  obstinately,  "the  day  will  come  even  to 
the  Romans,  in  spite  of  their  walled  cities,  and  in 


INOO.  203 

spite  of  their  new  Gods,  and  in  spite  of  their 
skill  in  stone  ducks,  when  they  will  learn  that 
elsewhere  there  live  stronger  men,  who  build 
their  wooden  roofs  in  the  free  air." 

"  But  to  us  the  skill  of  the  Romans  is  useful 
also,"  said  the  King,  decisively ;  "  it  is  an  honour 
for  a  king  to  make  use  of  what  others  have 
cleverly  invented.  Yet  I  am  pleased  with  thy 
words,  Hero  Berthar,  for  he  is  a  sensible  man  who 
thinks  higher  of  his  own  people  than  of  foreigners." 

When  the  repast  was  ended,  and  the  King  sat 
alone  at  his  glass  with  Ingo,  he  began  loqua- 
ciously, "  I  see,  Hero,  that  the  Weird  Sisters 
have  attached  to  thee  much  suffering  at  thy 
birth,  but  also  many  good  gifts;  for  they  have 
ordained  that  the  hearts  of  men  shall  open  in 
friendship  to  thee.  I  also,  when  I  hear  thee 
speak,  and  when  I  observe  how  thou  bearest 
thyself  among  my  men,  would  like  to  be  well-dis- 
posed towards  thee.  Only  one  thing  troubles  my 
spirit,  that  thou  hast  dwelt  among  my  peasants 
in  the  forest  huts,  whose  minds  have  always  been 
hostile  to  me ;  and  I  fear  that  thy  abode  there 
has  been  to  my  injury." 

"  My  King  has  no  reason  for  anxiety,"  answered 
Ingo,  earnestly ;  "  I  am  not  likely  again  to  rest 
by  the  hearth  of  Herr  Answald." 


204  INGO. 

"  Did  oath  and  comradeship  come  to  so  rapid  an 
end  ?  "  asked  the  King,  with  satisfaction.  "  C'.-m  I 
believe  thec,  when  thou  announcest  to  me  a  tiling 
so  stmngc?  tell  me,  if  it  pleases  thee,  what  has 
separated  thee  from  him." 

"  Unwillingly  does  a  Host  tolerate  foreign 
lodgers  on  his  property,"  said  Ingo,  evasively. 

"  The  mutual  confidence  of  masters  compels 
the  men  also  to  keep  the  peace,"  answered  the 
King.  "  Thou  dost  not  tell  me  all,  and  then  f->iv 
I  cannot  trust  thee." 

"  If  the  King  will  graciously  swear  to  me  on 
his  sword  that  the  reason  of  my  quarrel  shall 
remain  secret  between  us  both,  I  will  tell  him 
the  truth ;  for  thy  suspicions  would  be  injurious 
to  me,  and  I  hope  for  benefit  from  thy  good- 
will." The  King  raised  his  sword  quickly,  held 
the  oath-finger  over  it,  and  promised.  "  \\Y11 
then,  know,  O  King,  that  the  noble  maiden, 
Jrnvmrd.  is  dear  to  me,  and  that  her  father 

O  * 

is  angry  with  me  on  that  account,  as  he  lias 
promised  her  in  marriage  to  the  family  of  the 
Hero  Sintram." 

The  King  laughed  with  much  satisfact'on. 
"  Thou  wast  wrong,  Ingo,  though  thou  art  an 
expert  warrior,  to  desire  the  daughter  of  the 
Chieftain.  How  could  the  father  give  tin.-  hand 


INGO.  205 

of  the  daughter  who  is  his  inheritress  to  the  dis- 

O 

inherited  at  ranger?  The  whole  people  would 
reproach  him  as  mad ;  it  would  be  insufferable 
that  a  foreigner  should  sit  as  Chieftain  of  the 
forest  arbour.  Nay,  if  the  father  himself  should 
promise  thee  his  daughter  amidst  a  circle  of 
witnesses,  I,  the  King,  could  never  suffer  it,  ;ui  I 
1  should  have  to  send  my  boys,  both  horse  and 
foot,  in  order  to  hinder  you." 

Ingo  looked  so  fiercely  at  the  King  that  he  laid 
hold  of  his  weapon.  "  Thou  speakest  hostile 
words  to  the  banished  man.  Much  suffering 
have  I  borne  as  guest  in  the  Chieftain's  house- 
hold, but  it  is  difficult  for  the  spirit  of  man  to 
hear  words  of  contempt,  and  I  think  that  the  noble 
mind  of  the  King  should  not  wound  the  pride  of 
an  unfortunate  one." 

"I  am  better  disposed  towards  thee  than  I 
ever  was  before,"  replied  the  King,  cheerfully. 
"  But  dost  thou  still  maintain  a  hope  to  overcome 
the  anger  of  the  father  ? " 

"  The  Prince  is  bound  by  his  oath,  and  the 
family  of  Sintram  is  powerful  in  the  forest ;  the 
wife  of  the  Prince,  also,  is  of  his  kindred." 

The  King  thumped  upon  his  wine-mug,  as  was 
his  wont  when  anything  was  in  accordance  with 
his  wishes.  "  It  would  be  most  agreeable  to  me 


INGO. 

to  marry  the  noble  maiden  to  one  of  my  men ;  it 
would  not  be  welcome  to  me  for  the  family  of 
Sin  tram  ever  to  get  the  property  and  treasures 
of  the  Prince  into  his  power,  for  I  know  his 
malicious  mind.  But  it  would  be  most  repugnant 
to  me  for  thee,  with  the  good-will  of  the  father,  to 
become  his  son-in-law ;  for  as  the  scent  of  the 
honey  entices  the  bears  to  the  forest  tree,  sc 
would  the  praises  of  the  minstrel  collect  in  thy 
Court  all  combat-loving  fists — Vandals  and  other 
straggling  men ;  and  thou  wouldst,  as  a  ruler  of 
Thuringians,  soon  become  hostile  to  me,  even  if 
thou  didst  not  wish  it.  Bethink  thee  of  this," 
concluded  the  King,  persuasively,  filling  with  his 
own  hand  the  glass  of  his  guest.  "  Drink,  Hero 
Ingo,  and  enjoy  thyself.  When  the  wolves  ban- 
quet on  the  forest  hearths,  then  let  them  extol  the 
guest-friendship  of  thy  sword,  which  prepares  for 
them  a  rich  repast ;  but  do  not  think  any  more  of 
befooling  my  Thuringians  in  the  forest  arbour  by 
guest-banqueting." 

"  Then  do  thou  also  hear,  O  King,  the  counsel 
of  the  stranger,"  cried  out  Ingo,  indignantly  :  "  do 
not  thou  think  to  marry  the  noble  maiden  to 
another  man  ;  for  as  long  as  I  can  move  an  arm, 
no  other  shall  take  her  to  his  house.  Already 
has  Theodulf  once  been  stretched  on  the  meadow 


INGO.  201 

by  my  sword  ;  it  was  an  accident  that  he  escapee 
death  :  I  bar  the  bridal  path  to  him,  and  equally 
to  any  one  of  thy  people." 

Now  the  King  laughed  so  loud  that  he  shook 
with  it.  "  The  longer  thou  speakest,  the  more  I 
love  to  hear  thee,  even  though  thou  talkest 
defiantly  to  me.  Thou  thinkest  after  the  fashion 
of  a  travelling  hero,  and  I  am  confident  that  thou 
wilt  show  thyself  so  in  deeds.  Constrain  the 
father,  lay  Theodulf,  the  bombastic  fool,  on  the 
bloody  heath,  and  carry  off  thy  wife  to  thy 
bridal  bed.  With  all  my  heart  I  will  give  my 
aid  that  all  this  may  be  successful  to  thee." 

Ingo  examined  suspiciously  the  demeanour  of 
the  King,  who  sat  so  joyful  before  him,  think- 
ing that  perhaps  the  wine  had  distracted  his 
thoughts,  and  he  said,  "The  meaning  of  thy  words, 
my  lord,  is  concealed  from  me  ;  thou  praisest  and 
blamest  me  for  the  same  thing.  How  canst  thou 
be  glad  to  hear  what  appears  to  thee  insufferable  ? 
and  how  canst  thou  help  in  a  wooing  which 
thou  thyself  wilt  hinder,  even  if  the  bride's  fathei 
does  not  do  so  ? " 

But  King  Bisino  replied  with  dignity,  "Sit 
down  again  to  thy  drinking-horn.  Much  which 
brings  a  man  to  honour  is  thine,  but  the  most 
difficult  of  all  thou  canst  not  gain.  Thou  hast  not 


INGO. 

a  King's  skill.  Thy  thoughts  hasten  straight 
forward,  as  the  hound  on  the  track  of  the  deer. 
But  a  King  cannot  be  simple-minded,  either  in 
his  favour  or  his  revenge ;  he  must  think  of 
many  things ;  he  cannot  fully  trust  any  one,  and 
he  must  know  how  to  use  every  man  for  his 
own  advantage.  Thus  I  would  grant  the  noble 
maiden,  Irmgard,  rather  to  thee  than  to  many 
others, — the  maiden,  understand  me,  but  not 
her  inheritance,  and  not  the  dominion  in  the 
forest  arbour  after  the  death  of  her  father." 
Insro  seated  himself  beside  him,  and  bent  his 

O  * 

head  obediently  to  hear  further.  "  Since  I  have 
been  King,"  continued  the  other,  "  my  authority 
has  been  insecure  through  the  audacity  of  the 
forest  people,  and  the  power  of  their  Prince,  Herr 
Answald  ;  and  long  have  I  sought  an  opportunity 
to  become  their  master.  Therefore  thou  wast 
insupportable  to  me  in  the  forest  arbour,  because 
thou  n lightest  become  a  leader  of  their  bands. 
And  if  thy  Vandal  brood  were  to  be  established 
round  the  Prince's  seat,  I  should  have  to  destroy 
thee  as  mine  enemy,  even  though  I  were  well- 
disposed  towards  thee.  Bethink  thee  of  that, 
Hero !  Yet  if  thou  gain  the  daughter  by  a 
deed  of  violence,  as  an  enemy  of  the  father — as 
heroes  are  wont  to  do  when  their  desire  leads 


INQO.  209 

them  to  it — the  child  inh  eritress  will  disappear  from 
the  house,  and  I  need  not  fear  that  the  dominion 
should  pass  to  another  race  of  Princes.  Dost  thou 
now  understand  what  I  mean,  headstrong  Ingo?" 

"  I  desire  the  noble  maiden,  and  not  the  Prince's 
seat  in  thy  land.  But  it  would  be  bitter  to  me 
that  my  wife  should  lose  her  birthright  because 
she  has  married  me." 

"  Leave  that  to  me,"  replied  the  King,  coldly. 
"  If  thou  choose  to  take  the  woman  with  thee 
into  a  foreign  country,  I  will  be  a  good  comrade 
on  thy  side;  only  thou  must  not  compel  me, 
as  King,  to  maintain  the  right  of  the  country 
against  thee.  Hero  Ingo,  see  that  thou  gain  thy 
wife  by  a  daring  deed,  and  I  will  extol  thee." 

"If  thou  grant  me  the  wife,  O  King,  grant 
me  also  a  castle  or  house,  in  which  I  can  conceal 
her  from  pursuers,"  cried  out  Ingo,  laying  hold  of 
the  King's  hand  imploringly. 

King  Bisino  knitted  his  brows,  but  at  last 
there  was  an  honest  kindness  in  his  mien  as  he 
answered,  cautiously :  "  My  King's  skill  again 
compels  me  to  deny  thee  thy  request.  How  can 
I  resist  the  cry  of  the  whole  country,  if  I  conceal 
thee  ?  If  I  could  help  thee  secretly,  I  would  do  it 
willingly,  from  meaning  well  to  thee,  and  because 
it  is  useful  to  me.  But  do  thou  consider  how  I 

14 


•210  INGO. 

can  help  thee  by  counsel  and  secret  deed.  Only 
I  cannot  open  my  treasure-house  to  thee;  for  I 
must  keep  armlets  and  Roman  coins  for  myself, 
that  I  may  obtain  warriors  in  time  of  need." 

"  The  great  Host  of  the  people  shows  his 
graciousness  when  he  distributes  his  treasures,  or 
holds  his  King's  shield  over  the  oppressed.  How 
will  the  King  help  me,  if  he  deny  me  both  \ " 
asked  Ingo,  undeceived. 

King  Bisino  screwed  up  his  eyes,  and  nodded 
slyly.  "  The  King  closes  his  eyes  as  I  do  now  : 
lot  that  satisfy  the  Hero."  Although  indignant, 
Ingo  could  not  help  smiling  at  the  broad  lace  of 
his  Host,  who  squinted  at  him  out  of  the  corners 
of  his  eyes;  and  the  King  was  pleased  with  his 
smile.  "  It  is  all  right ;  and  now  cast  off  the  cares 
that  trouble  thee,  and  pledge  ine — for  I  would 
rather  drink  with  thee  than  with  any  other, 
since  I  know  that  the  young  bear  has  no  better 
hole  to  creep  into  than  my  cage.  Therefore  I 
will  now  confide  to  thee  a  secret.  The  Roman 
Tertullus  has  lately  whispered  to  me  divers 
things,  and  made  a  high  offer,  if  I  would  deliver 
thee  to  Caesar.  And  when  thou  earnest  hither 
I  did  not  feel  very  favourably  disposed  to  wan  Is 
thee ;  but  now  that  I  know  thee  as  thou  art,  I 
would  rather  keep  thee  for  myself." 


211 


VIII. 

THE  LAST  NIGHT. 

AROUND  the  towers  of  the  King's  Castle  raged 
the  primaeval  strife  of  the  winter  giants  against 
the  good  Gods  who  protect  the  increase  on  man's 
earth.  The  hard  powers  raised  a  grey  roof  of 
clouds  betwixt  the  light  of  heaven  and  the 
earth ;  they  oppressed  also  the  Hero  Ingo  with 
dark  thoughts  and  anxious  cares  for  the  welfare 
of  her  who  was  dear  to  him.  The  storm-spirits 
drove  the  snowflakes  through  the  crevices  of 
the  building,  upon  the  bed-coverlet  of  the  guest ; 
even  the  warrior,  who  wore  his  bearskin,  felt 
the  sharp  tooth  of  the  frost,  and  pressed  close, 
during  the  day,  to  the  hearth-fire  in  the  hall  of 
the  Host,  and  sang  sorrowfully,  "  The  time  of 
snow  is  suffering  to  the  travelling  hero  ;  then 
his  best  friend  is  the  pine  log.  The  ungracious 
enemies  of  life  separate  the  stream  from  the  free 
air  by  a  heavy  covering  of  ice,  and  angrily  does 


•2 1 2  INGO. 

the  Nixy,  who  makes  her  home  in  the  deep, 
strike  and  hammer  from  underneath  against  the 
crystal  burden."  But  what  stirred  under  the  icy 
<••>•.. Ting  which  concealed  the  thoughts  of  the 
Queen,  no  one  knew ;  she  alone  sat  quiet  among 
the  quarrelling  men;  unvaried  was  her  cold  friend- 
liness to  the  strangers  :  only  the  King  imagined 
that  Frau  Gisela  spoke  less  haughtily  than 
formerly.  When  the  north  wind  howled  its 
death-song  round  the  King's  towers,  then  Bisino 
si  in  it-times  murmured  against  his  guests;  but  his 
liking  for  the  stranger  always  again  overcame 
his  vexation ;  and  whenever  a  ray  of  sun  gave  a 
rosy  colour  to  the  covering  of  snow,  he  exclaimed, 
"  I  approve  of  this  winter ;  for  I  hear  good 
words  on  my  royal  bench  and  in  the  room."  In 
addition  to  the  hunting  excursions,  which  were 
arranged  by  the  King  for  the  Hero,  there  was 
also  a  warlike  expedition  against  a  district  of 
Saxony.  In  this  the  Vandals  rode  with  the 
King's  men ;  and  when  the  heroes  returned  home 
victorious,  and  laden  with  booty,  the  King 
loudly  extolled  Ingo's  good  sword,  and  the  boys 
sat,  after  that,  patiently  with  the  strangers  on 
their  benches. 

The  snow  melted  under  the  spring  sun ;  fresh 
green   sprouted   up   on   the  earth ;    the  brown 


1NGO.  213 

catkins  hung  on  the  birch  and  hazel  trees ;  in 
the  souls  of  men  also  stirred  the  hopes  of  a  new 
life,  and  a  wish  for  a  ride  out  in  the  country 
from  the  winter  roof.  The  first  wandering  birds 
flew  back  from  the  south,  and  with  them  the 
minstrel  Volkmar.  He  told  in  the  King's  hall  of 
the  past  fights  of  Gods  and  Heroes,  and  sang  low 
in  Ingo's  ear  of  the  sorrow  and  longing  of  a 
forest  bird.  Then  he  related  that  in  the  forest 
arbour  discord  and  hard  speeches  disturbed  the 
minds  of  the  wise  men.  Theodulf  was  still  ailing 
in  the  house  of  the  Prince;  Sintram's  kimliv.l 
were  powerful  there ;  and  Herr  Answald  ruled 
ill-temperedly  over  his  companions,  and  had 
asked  the  minstrel  to  the  marriage  of  his  daughter 
in  the  month  of  May.  But  also  from  the  King's 
Castle  confidential  greetings  passed  to  the  forest. 
Wolf  received  leave  of  absence  to  his  home; 
before  his  journey  he  spoke  secretly  with  his 
lord  and  Berthar,  rested  on  the  road  at  the 
•houses  of  Rothari  and  Bero,  and  rode  with  Bero 
along  little-frequented  forest  paths  southwards 
to  the  Main.  When  he  returned,  there  were 
glad  looks  in  the  dwelling  of  the  guests. 

At  last  the  ice  covering  of  the  stream  gave 
way,  and  the  flood  poured  with  great  force  over 
the  young  green  of  the  meadows;  its  rapidly 


214  INGO. 

swollen  waters  roared,  and  men  observed  with 
fear  its  ungovernable  power.  But  the  east  win.l 
rose  against  it  with  a  strong  blast ;  it  subdued 
the  flood,  and  dried  the  ground  on  the  borders  of 
the  forest  hills.  The  falconer  had  reared  for  the 
King's  son  two  young  buzzards,  for  the  chase  of 
little  birds,  and  Hermin  one  morning  begged 
permission  of  his  father  to  go  on  a  riding  excur- 
sion, in  order  to  try  the  skill  of  the  feathered 
hunters. 

The  King's  horse  was  already  saddled  for  the 
hawking,  when  suddenly  a  messenger  galloped 
into  the  court,  bearing  tidings  which  brought  a 
dark  shadow  over  the  I  row  of  the  King.  He 
ordered  his  horse  to  be  led  back,  and  sent  his 
son,  with  the.  Queen  and  the  Hero  Ingo,  up  to 
the  hills.  The  sun  shone  bright  and  warm,  and 
Ingo  rode  for  the  first  time  next  the  Queen, 
without  her  retinue,  in  the  open  countiy.  The 
falconer  loosened  the  hood  of  the  buzzard;  the 
young  King  hunted  with  the  Hero  Balda  and 
his  attendants,  shouting  under  the  bird.  The 
Queen  followed  more  slowly,  with  glowing 
••lir.ks;  she  made  her  fiery  horse  prance,  and 
smiled  on  her  attendant,  who  was  pleased  with 
the  beautiful  woman  by  his  side,  and  watched 
with  anxiety  the  leaps  of  her  horse.  Once, 


INGO.  215 

when  he  caught  her  bridle  with  a  helping  hand, 
the  Queen  stopped,  and  said — 

"I  think  of  the  days  when  thou  didst  the 
same  service  to  me  as  a  child,  when  we  rode 
together,  far  from  here,  over  the  bright  flowers ; 
then  I  sat  in  terror,  but  I  would  not  let  thee 
remark  it." 

"Thy  face  was  rounder  that  day,  my  royal 
cousin,"  said  Ingo,  merrily,  "  and  the  locks  shorter 
which  curled  round  thy  head.  But  when  I  met 
thee  here  in  the  hall,  and  the  King  reminded  me 
so  kindly  of  old  times,  then  I  recognized  the 
proud  mien  and  the  face  of  the  little  maiden ; 
and  I  saw  well  that  I  had  to  thank  thee  that 
favour  was  shown  me  in  the  King's  Castle." 

The  Queen  laughed,  and  again  made  her  horse 
prance  wildly  about,  till  the  horsemen  in  front 
of  her  disappeared  behind  an  undulation  of  the 
ground;  then  she  stopped  again,  and  said  cor- 
dially, "Thank  me  always,  Ingo,  for  I  like  to 
hear  that  thou  valuest  me.  We  have  both  been 
scared  away  from  our  homes  into  foreign  coun- 
tries, since  the  hatred  of  my  family  divided  us. 
But  I  have  never  forgotten  thee,  and  have 
enquired  after  thee  whenever  a  wanderer  came 
from  the  south  to  the  Castle.  Thou  becamest  to 
me  like  a  brother  in  misfortune,  and  I  learnt 


216 

with  pride  how  nobly  thou  didst  bear  thyself 
under  a  hard  fate.  Since  thou  hast  at  last 
penetrated  to  us,  I  have  lee  i  happier  than 
formerly." 

She  looked  at  him  so  kindly,  that,  carried 
away  by  the  magic  of  her  look,  he  caught  at  her 
hand;  she  stretched  it  out  to  him,  and  turning 
her  face  towards  him,  rode  thus  for  a  time  close 
to  him.  Then  she  haughtily  drew  her  hand 
back,  galloped  her  horse,  wildly  bounding  over 
the  field,  and  looked  back  to  see  whether  he 
was  following  her.  Again  she  said,  laugh in^, 
"Another  would  think  of  keeping  thee,  like 
a  hunting  falcon,  under  the  hood,  but  I  well  see 
that  the  eagle  soars  freely  on  high,  and  takes  its 
own  path  in  the  sunlight.  For  thou,  cousin,  art 
not  born  to  be  the  servant  of  another ;  and  he 
who  would  hold  thee  fast  should  look  to  it  that 
thy  talons  do  not  wound  him." 

When  the  Queen  began  her  confidential  talk, 
the  Hero  thought  of  saying  something  to  her 
about  the  forest  arbour,  which  always  occupied  his 
heart,  but  the  words  and  the  eyes  of  the  Queen 
prevented  him.  At  last  she  said,  with  a  changed 
tone,  "And  yet  once  the  noble  falcon  rested  \vith 
bound  wings  in  the  house  of  the  peasant.  I  praise 
the  folly  of  the  father  for  having  broken  tho 


INGO.  21 7 

inglorious  tie ;  for  it  befits  thee  to  desire  what  is 
highest.  Only  some  bold  deed  of  violence  can 
raise  thee  above  the  heads  of  others :  think  there- 
of, Ingo.  Let  us  join  my  son;  I  rejoice  that  the 
child  confides  in  thee;  I  cannot  wish  him  any 
better  teacher  than  thee  for  all  hero-work." 

Again  she  galloped  on  before  him ;  her  royal 
mantle  and  her  locks  floated  in  the  wind ;  she 
threw  the  small  short  spear  that  she  held  in  her 
hand  up  before  her  in  the  air,  and  caught  it  in  its 
course ;  but  Ingo  now  remained  behind  her,  till 
both  of  them  joined  the  hunting  party,  and 
shouted  to  the  struggling  buzzard,  which  sank 
down  with  a  water-hen  in  its  claws. 

When  the  hunting  party  returned  to  the  King's 
Castle,  they  found  there  an  unusual  disturbance  : 
horsemen  came  and  went;  the  servants  were 
carrying  carpets  and  cushions  into  the  stone 
house,  which  was  appointed  for  distinguished 
guests ;  from  the  King's  hall  resounded  the  clang 
of  weapons  and  the  clattering  of  the  feet  of  many 
horses.  Ingo  sprang  from  his  horse,  and  went 
with  the  young  King's  son  to  the  sleeping  apart- 
ment of  the  Vandals ;  and  Berthar  hastened  to- 
wards him.  "  Whilst  thou  hast  been  out  look  in" 

Q 

after  the  hawk,  another  bird  of  prey  has  descended 
into  the  King's  Court.  Cassar  has  sent  a  new 


218  1NGO. 

message;  and  who  dost  thou  think  came  as 
messenger  ?  The  wildest  fellow  out  of  the 
Roman  army,  the  Frank  Harietto,  whom  they 
call  the  army  destroyer — he  who  in  one  night,  in 
the  forest,  cut  off  the  heads  of  the  plundering 
Saxons,  and  carried  them  to  the  town  like 
cabbage-heads.  Even  before  he  came  the  King 
was  pacing  gloomily  through  the  court ;  he 
answered  my  greeting  with  embarrassment,  and 
the  King's  boys  looked  with  contempt  at  us,  and 
avoided  our  companionship.  A  chamberlain 
of  the  King  just  now  came  to  our  dwelling,  and 
stammeringly  announced  that  he  was  to  bring 
thy  repast  here,  that  thou  mightest  not  meet  the 
Roman  at  the  King's  table." 

"If  not  at  the  meal,  let  it  be  in  the  court," 
replied  Ingo  ;  "  we  do  not  conceal  our  faces  from 
the  monster;  if  I  am  the  object  of  his  errand, 
it  is  good  that  we  should  learn  it  early.  Come, 
cousin,"  he  exclaimed  to  the  King's  son,  "  let  us 
see  how  the  strangers  ride,  and  how  the  King 
greets  the  Roman  messengers." 

The  child  went  with  him  through  the  court 
into  the  large  space  in  "front  of  the  King's  hall 
There  stood  the  strangers  with  their  horses, 
whilst  the  King  presented  the  most  distingislu-d 
of  his  retinue  to  the  ambassador,  who  stepped 


INGO.  219 

from  man  to  man,  bestowing  upon  them  a  warrior's 
greeting,  and  occasional  words.  The  Roman  Frank 
towered  almost  by  a  head  above  the  tallest  of  the 
King's  boys.  He  stood  like  a  giant  there,  with 
broad  shoulders  and  powerful  limbs,  his  arms 
covered  with  circlets,  and  with  a  gold  figure  of 
the  Emperor  on  the  front  of  his  coat-of-mail ;  his 
bushy  eyebrows  bristled  from  under  his  helmet, 
his  look  was  sullen,  and  his  courtly  smile  was 
scarcely  perceptible. 

As  Bisino  made  a  turn  with  his  guest,  he 
suddenly  met  Ingo,  who  silently  greeted  the  King, 
and  led  the  boy  towards  him.  The  King  seized 
quickly  the  hand  of  his  son.  But  the  look  of  the 
stranger  was  riveted  on  Ingo,  and  involuntarily  his 
hand  moved  to  his  sword,  as  if  he  were  thinking 

O 

of  slaying  the  enemy  of  his  lord  at  once.  Yet 
Ingo  approached  him  with  a  greeting,  and  began, 
"  When  we  last  saw  each  other,  Hero  Harietto,  it 
was  on  a  hot  day  :  thy  look  was  more  honourable 
when  thou  didst  brar.dish  thy  sword  against  me  on 
the  bloody  battle-field,  than  here,  where  the  will 
of  a  foreign  lord  restrains  thy  hand  from  greeting." 
"  I  would  gladly  say,  Hero  Ingo,  that  I  would 
be  pleased  to  meet  thee,  but  I  stand  here  as  the 
messenger  of  the  great  Roman  Emperor ;  and  his 
views  towards  thee  are  not  friendly." 


220  INGO. 

"  I  cannot  think  well  of  the  message,"  answered 
Ingo,  "which  prevents  a  valiantnmn  from  greeting, 
under  the  King's  protection,  a  war-comrade  with 
whom  he  once  exchanged  honourable  bl<>\\  >." 

"  The  angry  Gods  have  cast  thee  and  mo  from 
our  homes  into  hostile  battle-ranks;  we  both 
follow  the  oath  that  binds  us,"  said  the  Frank. 

"  Thou  followest  the  banner  of  the  stranger ;  I 
the  call  of  our  countrymen." 

"  In  the  camp  of  the  Romans  the  minstrel  sings 
the  same  song  as  here  in  the  country,"  retorted 
Harietto. 

"The  songs  I  heard  as  a  boy  taught  me  to 
avoid  the  sway  of  strangers,"  replied  Ingo. 

"  Let  all  come  to  Caesar's  banner  ;  then  we  are 
all  Romans." 

"Thou  callest  all  who  stand  here,  Harictt»; 
only  one  I  think  thou  dost  not  invite  ;  and  there- 
fore be  not  angry  if  I  consider  it  unsuitable  to 
bend  my  neck  before  the  tribunal  of  Cii'.-ar." 

Both  inclined  their  heads  proudly,  and  stepped 
apart.  But  the  King's  men  had  thronged  near, 
murmuring  assent  as  they  interchanged  speeches 
— stronger  when  Harietto  spoke  ;  yet  Ingo's  \vonls 
met  also  with  approbation,  and  he  saw  that  at 
his  last  speech  the  King  himself  nodded  his 
head. 


INGO.  221 

The  ambassador  walked  with  the  King  to  the 
hall,  where  his  attendant  displayed  the  presents 
of  Ctesar.  The  King  beheld  with  joy  the  vases 
and  goblet,  with  their  wonderful  work  of  inlaid 
jewels,  and.  assured  the  messenger  he  was  a 
friend  of  Caesar's,  and  ready  to  do  him  much 
good  service.  Then  Harietto  desired  to  have 
secret  converse  with  the  King;  and  when  all 
listeners  had  been  sent  away,  the  Frank  de- 
manded the  delivery  of  Ingo. 

Bisino  was  startled ;  lie  sat  long  reflecting,  and 
replied  at  last,  that  the  demand  was  too  hard  for 
him,  and  he  needed  time  to  give  an  answer ; 
meanwhile,  the  ambassador  would,  he  hoped, 
be  pleased  to  stay  as  guest  at  his  court.  But 
Harietto  pressed  for  a  rapid  decision  ;  he  offered 
still  higher  presents,  and  threatened.  This 
roused  the  King's  pride,  and  he  exclaimed 
angrily,  that  what  he  had  refused  to  a  friendly 
request  he  would  certainly  not  grant  to  a  threat. 
Thus  he  left  the  stranger,  who  established  him- 
self, with  his  followers,  among  the  King's  boys, 
drank  with  them,  and  distributed  presents. 

But  King  Bisino  continued  much  disturbed  • 
at  last  he  went  to  his  treasure-room,  seated 
himself  on  a  stool,  inspected  once  more,  with  a 
heavy  heart,  the  new  presents;  then  counted 


11  'I  IN  GO. 

over  his    strings  of  golden    armlets,  his   large 
dishes   and   tankards,    his   golden  and 

drinking-horns.     With  some  trouble  he  ra: 
silver  dish,  and  viewed  his  face  in  it,  and  I 
sorrowfully  to  himself.     "  Morose  is  the  picture 
that  I  see.     The  stranger  has  brought  me  rich 
presents,  although  the  largest  vase  is  only  silver- 
gilt,  and  no  praiseworthy  gift  to  tin-   King  of  a 
great   nation.     Yet  I   .-hould    be     umvillii, 
lose  the  other  gifts  of    whi«-h  he   speaks;    and 
the  Roman  will  not   \  in   to   me  if  I   do 

not    deliver    yonder    man    to   him,    living,   or 
perhaps  dead.     But  if  I  bring  tl.Ls  ill  deed  upon 
my  life,  and  hand  him  over  to  his  cn<  n 
shall  become  an  object  of  horror  to  all  nations," 
as  a  hireling  of  the  foreigner,  because  I  gav« 
a  guest-friend  to  a  dishonourable  drath.     Besides, 
I  am  also  sorry  for  the  fellow ;  for  he  is  good- 
hearted  and  honourable,  and  a  faithful  comrade 
at    the  cup  and  on   horseback.     On   the 
hand,  if  I  keep  him  in  spite  of  the  Romans,  I  am 
threatened  with  destructive  work  on  my  ' 
dary ;  the  war  will  perhaps  deprive  me  of  my 
treasures,  diminish  the  strength  of  the  ;>< 
and.  shake  my  throne."     His   look   fell  uj>on  a 
sword,  which  hung   over  the   .shining  mKal  on 
the  wall     "  This  is  th-     1  >.apon   of  my 


ixoo.  2^3 

race,  renowned  in  song,  and  feared  among  the 
people  ;  many  a  heavy  deed  has  it  done :  according 
to  tradition,  a  God  once  hammered  at  the  steel ; 
I  am  surprised  that  now  I  cannot  turn  my  eyes 
from  it."  And  sighing,  he  continued,  "  I  have 
drunk  with  him,  hunted  and  fought  by  his  side, 
and  I  wish  that  his  end  may  be  glorious,  like 
that  of  his  father,  who  hastened  to  receive  tho 
death-wound  on  his  breast.  If  I  cannot  save 
him,  I  will  at  least  show  him  a  King's  honour." 

The  King  rose,  and  seized  the  weapon.  Thru 
he  felt  his  arm  gently  laid  hold  of;  he  shrank 
back,  and  drew  the  sword.  Before  him  stood 
Queen  Gisela,  and  looked  at  him  mockingly. 
"  Will  the  King  go  to  the  field  with  his  table- 
vessels,  as  he  reviews  them  like  an  army  ? " 

"Where  does  the  King's  power  lie,  If  not  in  his 
treasures  ?  "  retoi"ted  the  King,  angrily.  "  How 
can  I  hold  fast  covetous  minds,  and  win  thuir 
fealty,  if  I  do  not  distribute  the  foreign  metal 
amongst  them  ?  There  is  little  enough  of  it  in 
my  country,  and  all  ask  for  it:  where  shall  1  get 
it,  if  I  do  not  obtain  it  from  the  foreigner  ?  " 

"Does  the  King  wish  to  bargain  with  tho 
Romans  about  this  man  ?  "asked  the  Queen,  her 
eyes  flaming  with  fire. 

"  Should  I  hesitate  if  I  meant  to  do  it  ?  "  mur- 


INGO. 

inured  the  King.  "  But  this  stranger  sits  like  on 
owl  upon  niy  trees  ;  all  the  birds  of  the  air  sin  mi 
at  and  scream  against  him.  Not  long  ago  the 
Kings  of  the  Oder  also  sent  to  demand  his 
penon." 

"  Thou  dost  not  deceive  me,"  broke  forth  the 
Queen,  with  fierce  anger.  "  See  to  it,  O  King !  if 
thou  canst  live  after  such  shame,  I  will  not.  To 
the  perjured  man,  who  sells  his  sworn  comrade 
for  Roman  gold,  I  refuse  all  companionship  at 
table  and  bed." 

The  King  looked  askance  at  her.  "Thy  thoughts 
storm  violently,  I  think,  Frau  Gisela ;  they  miss 
the  mark." 

"  "Who  is  more  zealous  for  the  King's  honour 
than  the  Queen  ? "  answered  the  woman,  striving 
for  composure.  "  If  thou  dost  not  venture  to 
keep  him  from  the  Romans,  let  him  go  from  thy 
court.  It  is  better  to  show  thyself  weak  than 
faithless." 

"  In  order  that  after  such  an  indignity  he  may 
live  as  my  enemy,"  said  the  King. 

"  Bind  him,  then,  by  a  high  oath  ;  he  is,  as  I 
tliiuk,  one  of  those  who  keep  their  oaths." 

"Will  the  Queen  so  persuade  him  that  he  will 
never  think  of  the  indignity  ?"  asked  the  lord  of 
the  Castle,  watching  her  suspiciously. 


INGO.  225 

"  I  will,"  replied  Frau  Gisela,  with  a  faltering 
voice,  "  if  it  is  useful  to  the  King." 

They  stood  opposite  to  each  other,  with  dark 
thoughts.  At  last  the  King  began.  "  In  time  of 
danger  quick  deeds  are  useful.  Make  a  trial, 
Gisela ;  send  him  a  message  this  evening,  asking 
him  to  a  secret  conference  in  thy  tower.  Perhaps 
thou  mayest  help  him  there  to  a  good  departure." 

The  Queen  looked  down;  her  face  was  pallid 
as  she  answered,  "  I  will  advise  him  to  depart,  as 
thou  commandest  it."  She  turned  quickly  from 
the  King,  and  he  looked  after  her  gloomily. 

In  the  evening  the  Queen  was  waiting  in  her 
apartment  in  the  tower ;  the  night-songsters  sat 
on  the  wall,  and  lamented  over  the  evil  which 
was  preparing  for  some  one;  the  wax  tapers 
flickered  under  the  sharp  gusts  of  air  which 
penetrated  through  the  open  window,  and 
shifted  the  shadow  of  the  beautiful  woman  here 
and  there  on  the  wall.  Queen  Gisela  stood  in 
the  middle  of  the  room  in  festive  attire,  her  red 
diadem  upon  her  brow,  her  pale  head  bent  for- 
ward, and  her  hands  clenched  fast,  as  if  for  some 
violent  deed.  "  If  thou  depart  from  here,  Ingo, 
it  will  be  a  pain  to  me  worse  than  death ;  and  if 
thou  remain,  then,  of  three  who  live  here,  there 
will  be  one  too  many."  She  shrank  within  her- 

15 


226  INGO. 

self,  and  listened  again;  from  below  there  sounded 
a  murmur  of  voices  and  a  slight  clash  of  weapons. 
Then  she  tore  the  taper  from  the  high  « -audit-stick, 
and  held  it  out  of  the  window,  so  that  the  smoke 
and  the  glaring  flame  floated  over  the  battle- 
ments of  the  tower,  and  the  owls  flew  away 
frightened.  A  few  minutes  afterwards  a  single 
hunting-call  answered  from  the  distance ;  the 
Queen  took  the  light  back,  and  pushed  the  tapes- 
try before  the  opening  of  the  window. 

A  man's  step  sounded  on  the  stone  staircase. 
"  It  is  he,"  she  said  in  a  low  tone.  But  when  the 
door  oj  ne  ,  she  started  back,  for  King  Bisino 
entered.  His  countenance  was  gloomy,  his  robust 
body  was  covered  with  a  coat  of  mail,  his  head 
with  a  steel  cap;  on  the  handle  of  his  sword  a 
blood-red  stone  gleamed  in  the  light.  "The 
Queen  is  attired  as  if  for  a  high  festival,"  he  said, 
angrily. 

"  Thou  didst  wish  it." 

"I  will  also  be  an  invisible  witness  of  thy 
conference  with  him,  that  thou  mayest  say  all 
that  I  have  commanded.  Listen  to  this  warning : 
at  the  foot  of  the  tower  tarry  two  of  my  boys 
with  hard  hands;  if  he  descend  without  nif,  hu 
will  not  pass  the  threshold  alive." 

"The  King  is  truly  careful,"  answered  Frau 


INGO.  227 

Gisela,  motionless.  Then  her  look  fell  upon  tho 
King's  sword,  and  she  cried  out,  '•  The  stone  on 
the  King'.s  knife  shines  bloodily ;  it  is  the  death - 
weapon  of  thine  ancestors."  With  difficulty 
mastering  her  terror,  she  continued,  "From  the 
apartment  of  the  Queen,  formerly,  men's  swords 
were  excluded.  Why  has  the  King  transgressed 
my  rights  ? " 

"  It  is  only  foresight,  Gisela,"  replied  the  King, 
grimly.  He  walked  to  the  end  of  the  room, 
opened  a  little  side-door,  and  disappeared  behind 
it. 

The  Queen  stood  again  alone,  and  her  thoughts 
were  in  wild  tumult.  "  The  King  in  his  lurking- 
place  meditates  an  act  of  violence,  and  I  shall  be 
the  helper  of  an  unworthy  deed." 

Then  the  step  of  another  sounded  outside,  and 
Ingo  entered,  without  armour  or  a  sword.  "  I 
thank  thee,  cousin  Gisela,"  he  began  cordially, 
"  for  having  to-day  opened  thy  tower  to  me."  He 
looked  at  the  splendid  room,  at  the  embroidered 
tapestry  on  the  wall,  and  costly  articles  from 
foreign  lands.  "  Since  I  lost  my  mother,  I  have 
never  entered  the  state-chamber  of  a  Queen. 
Why  dost  thou  stand  so  solemnly,  cousin  ? "  he 
continued  sorrowfully :  "  forgive  me  if  I  do  not 
rejoice,  as  I  ought,  in  the  honour  thou  doest  me 


228  INGO. 

in  receiving  the  poor  Ingo  in  Queen's  attire."  lit 
seized  her  hand;  in  spite  of  her  anguish  a  bright 
colour  passed  over  her  pale  countenance,  as  she 
drew  her  hand  back. 

"  The  entrance  to  the  Queen's  chamber  is  easier 
than  the  passage  out  of  the  tower  door,"  she 
said,  in  a  low  tone. 

"I  saw  the  King's  boys  lurking  about,"  said 
Ingo,  "and  that  does  not  surprise  me,  for  I  know 
that  the  mind  of  the  King,  who  was  formerly 
kind  to  me,  has  been  excited  against  me  by 
Haiietto ;  therefore  I  beg  thee  to  take  care,  as  far 
as  thou  canst,  that  no  shame  may  befal  me.  I  am 
weary,  Queen,  of  my  earthly  lot ;  I  have  given 
offence  to  every  guest-friend — miserable  every- 
where, like  a  mad  wolf,  hunted  from  Court  to 
Court.  Such  a  life  is  contemptible,  for  I  feel  I  am 
worthy  of  a  better  fate ;  and  I  myself  mean  to 
take  care  that  I  shall  not  be  bound,  as  a  living 
man,  by  Roman  fetters.  But  if  thou  canst  not 
avert  my  fate,  then,  I  pray  thee,  preserve  my 
blood-comrades — the  wandering  band — from  an 
inglorious  death.  Gladly  would  they  fi  lit 
against  any  one,  whoever  it  might  be ;  but  they 
fear  a  destruction  which  may  approach  them 
invisibly,  for  wo  are  fast  hemmed  in  between 
stone  walls." 


INGO.  229 

The  Queen  fixed  her  eyes,  speechless,  on  the 
concealed  door;  suddenly  she  gave  a  viol  -in 
scream,  for  the  King  came  out,  and  exclaim  ! 
"Thou  hast  caged  thyself  for  thy  last  wound.' 
With  raised  sword  the  King  rushed  against 
Ingo,  but  Frau  Gisela  sprang  like  a  lioness 
between  them,  turning  away  his  arm,  so  that  the 
sword  fell  clattering  to  the  ground.  Ingo  seized 
the  weapon,  and  brandishing  it,  exclaimed,  "  Thy 
life  is  in  my  hand,  King  Bisino;  little  would 
thine  armour  avail  thee,  if  I  did  by  thee  as  thou 
hast  thought  of  doing  by  me.  Thank  the  God 
in  whom  thou  trustest  that  the  guest-oath  is 
more  sacred  to  me  than -to  thee."  And  he  threw 
the  King's  weapon  before  his  feet.  A  slight 
sound,  like  the  groaning  of  a  woman,  was  heard 
in  the  room. 

The  King  'looked  wildly  around  him.  "  Thou 
speakest  like  a  man  ;  come,  then,  take  thy  swprd 
from  the  steps  ;  we  will  fight." 

"  I  have  sworn  peace  to  thee,"  answered  Ingo, 
immovable. 

"  And  I  to  thee,"  replied  the  King.  "  The  oath 
is  broken ;  thou  art  free  :  raise  thy  weapon." 

"I  will  not  fight  against  thee  for  my  life," 
replied  Ingo ;  "  thy  King's  head  is  sacred  to  me, 
even  though  thou  hast  intended  evil  by  me. 


230  INGO. 

And  never  will  I  cause  the  reputation  of  thy 
wife  to  be  dishonoured,  by  shedding  thy  blood 
or  mine  before  her  couch.  If  I  must  be  killed, 
I  do  not  complain  if  thou  do  it  thyself;  strike, 
then,  O  King,  and  thanks  to  thee  for  thy  guest- 
present." 

As  the  King  bent  down  to  raise  his  sword, 
there  was  a  sound  from  below  of  clamour  and 
war-cries,  and  Ingo  hastened  out.  "  Curse  upon 
me,  I  have  forgotten  the  danger  of  my  comrades 
in  my  own.  I  hear  the  song  of  my  swans ;  I 
come.  And  thou,  King,  beware ;  I  shall  find  that 
which  will  compel  thee."  With  stormy  haste  he 
burst  out  of  the  door,  and  the  King  whispered 
hoarsely,  "  Those  who  await  him  knew  not 
compassion ; "  and  he  hastened  after  him  with 
brandished  sword. 

But  Ingo  sprang  down  only  a  lew  steps,  to 
where  he  had  left  his  sword,  then  down  to  the 
chamber  of  the  young  son,  who  slept  with  the 
Hero  Balda,  beneath  the  apartment  of  the 
Queen.  He  caught  up  the  child  from  his  bed, 
•  I  him  in  his  arms,  and  whispered  to  him, 
"  Help  me,  Hermin !  I  am  threatened  with  de- 
struction ;  I  will  do  thee  no  harm,  if  my  comrades 
are  not  injured  by  the  King." 

The  boy  hung  sleepily  against  his  ann,  and 


INGO.  231 

clasped  him  round  the  neck.  "  I  will  willingly 
help  thee,  cousin,"  he  said,  unsuspiciously.  Be- 
fore the  old  warrior  could  rise  from  his  bed, 
Ingo  carried  the  boy  to  the  Queen's  door,  where 
the  King  sprang  towards  him  with  his  sword. 
But  Bisino  drew  back  dismayed,  when  he  per- 
ceived his  child  under  Ingo's  knife.  "Go  for- 
ward, King  Bisino,"  cried  out  Ingo,  imperatively  ; 
"  prepare  the  way  for  me ;  I  hold  what  compels 
thee.  The  life  of  thy  boy  is  surety  for  the  heads 
of  mine.  Farewell,  Frau  Gisela ;  pray  to  the 
Gods  that  the  King's  house  may  not  be  shattered 
this  night." 

The  men  hastened  down  the  stone  steps.  Frau 
Gisela  listened  motionless  to  the  noise  at  the 
foot  of  the  stairs.  Did  she  wish  that  he  should 
escape,  who  had  pledged  the  life  of  her  son  ? 
Whether  he  himself  would  return  to  her  room  in 
the  tower,  or  the  King,  or  neither  of  them,  were 
the  thoughts  that  stormed  through  her  soul ;  she 
felt  hatred  against  him  who  did  not  desire  her 
help,  and  yet  burning  anguish  about  his  life,  and 
fear  about  the  return  of  the  King.  She  sprang 
to  the  window,  and  looked  out  into  the  darkness. 
She  heard  distant  muttering  and  shrill  cries,  then 
all  became  still ;  she  saw  a  glimmering  light,  but 
it  also  was  extinguished ;  the  night  remained 


232  INGO. 

dark  and  uncertain,  like  her  own  fate.  Ingo 
stood  on  the  last  step  before  the  door  of  the 
tower.  "  Drive  away  thy  hounds,  O  Kirg,  that 
their  bite  may  not  touch  thy  son."  The  King 
stepped  forward  unwillingly,  and  waved  away 
his  watchers.  Ingo  sprang  forward,  past  him, 
like  a  flying  stag,  to  the  apartment  of  his  men. 
The  King  could  not  keep  up  with  him,  however 
much  he  hastened. 

About  the  dwelling  stood  the  bands  of  the 
King's  boys,  armed  with  shield  and  spear,  many 
also  with  torches  in  their  hands.  On  the  ground 
in  front  of  the  steps  blazed  a  red  flame,  throwing 
an  uncertain  light  into  the  dark  room,  and  on 
the  wild  faces  of  the  Vandals.  "Why  do  the 
screech-owls  blink  in  the  light,  and  turn  their 
looks  downwards?"  cried  out  Berthar,  from  the 
steps.  "  I  wonder  that  the  King's  boys  are  afraid 
of  the  base  work  ;  they  are,  as  I  hear,  accustomed 
to  kill  by  night.  They  are  considered  quite 
shameless  among  the  people.  Are  they  afrnid 
that  my  sword  should  strike  the  brand  of  their 
torch -bearer  ?  Approach  nearer,  ye  good-for- 
nothing  cowards,  that  ye  may  be  cursed  before 
all  people  as  peace-breakers.  Come  on,  that  my 
boys  may  prepare  you  for  your  last  journey." 

"Coarse    words    are    the     coin  of   homeless 


INGO. 

beggars," retorted  Had u bald ;  "thou  understandcst 
well  how  to  pay  them,  when,  lingering  about 
foreign  banks,  thou  passest  through  the  wm-M. 
Ye  are  quite  useless  on  man's  earth,  and  hence- 
forth ye  will  scarcely  trouble  foreign  Courts  by 
your  noise." 

Thus  did  the  heroes  by  angry  speeches  prepare 
for  the  fight.  Then  sprang  Ingo  through  the 
noisy  bands,  with  the  King's  son  in  his  arms ; 
he  rushed  on  to  the  steps,  and  stood  amon^  his 
faithful  followers.  A  loud  exclamation  from  the 
Vandals  sounded  about  the  hall.  Ingo  called  out 
imperatively  to  the  King's  boys,  "  Retire,  valiant 
heroes  of  Thuringia;  the  young  King  whom  I 
hold  bids  you  keep  the  peace.  If  you  wish  his 
head  to  remain  uninjured,  be  careful  not  to  annoy 
my  men.  Welcome  is  the  King  in  the  dwelling 
of  his  guests,"  he  added,  as  Bisino  came  up,  "  and 
his  presence  signifies  peace.  Enter  graciously, 
O  King,  the  sleeping-room  of  thy  guests ;  for  it 
is  not  by  weapons,  I  think,  that  we  shall  end  the 
disturbance  this  day.  Help  me  to  conduct  the 
King,  Hermin,  my  cousin ! "  He  put  the  boy 
down  on  the  ground,  and  stepped,  holding  the 
knife  over  him,  towards  the  King;  the  child 
seized  the  hand  of  his  father,  and  stood  between 
the  Heroes.  "  Kindle  the  torches  at  the  flame," 


INGO. 

cried  Ingo  to  his  people.  "  Let  every  one  leave 
the  room ;  ye  Vandal  heroes,  watch  on  the  steps 
while  I  take  counsel  with  the  King." 

Morosely  did  Bisino  sign  to  his  retinue  to  clear 
the  entrance ;  then  he  ordered  Hadubald,  with  an 
equal  number  of  King's  men,  to  occupy  the  steps. 
Ingo  conducted  the  King  to  the  high  gallery 
of  the  hall,  where  his  bed  stood,  and  sat  down 
opposite  to  him,  with  his  arm  round  the  young 
King.  Bisino  seated  himself  hesitatingly,  and 
looked  gloomily  before  him.  "  Thou  thinke°t  to 
compel  me,  by  the  life  of  my  son,  to  spare  thee 
and  thy  rovers.  But  wild  anger  has  arisen  be- 
tween thee  and  me ;  and  the  reconciliation,  1  fear, 
would  not  be  lasting.  If  thou  withdraw  to-d-iy 
'from  mine  anger,  yet  it  will  strike  thee  to-morrow, 
or  some  other  time ;  for  even  if  the  petition  of  this 
boy  open  my  cage  to  thee,  yet  know  that  my 
power  reaches  far,  and  that  the  King's  will  besets 
thee  like  a  snared  deer." 

<fl  honour  much  thy  power,  0  King,"  replied 
Ingo,  "  and  I  know  that  it  will  be  difficult  for  me 
to  ride  over  the  bridge,  and  to  trot  over  the  heath, 
if  thine  anger  pursue  me  in  hostility.  Yet  I 
know  that  the  King  will  act  honourably,  if  he 
keep  faith  with  me  as  far  as  his  oath  reaches. 
The  King  has  invited  me  to  single  combat;  praise- 


INGO.  235 

worthy  was  the  proffer,  and  worthy  of  a  hero ;  and 
if  he  cannot  suffer  me  to  remain  upon  man's  earth, 
I  know  well  that  there  can  be  no  higher  honour, 
in  the  opinion  of  men,  than  to  fall  by  the  King's 
weapon ;  or  if  I  should,  instead,  send  him  to  the 
death-halls,  to  be  killed  with  my  followers  by  the 
fury  of  the  Thuringians.  Yet  it  is  insufferable 
to  me  to  fight.against  thee,  my  lord  and  Host;  for 
thou  wast  friendly  towards  me ;  I  have  received 
kindness  at  thy  Court;  I  honour  thy  wife  and 
thy  boy  whom  I  hold  here  in  my  arms ;  and  I 
have  gladly  hoped  to  save  my  life  through  thy 
kindness.  So,  although  I  consider  any  combat  as 
honourable,  it  would  wound  me  to  engage  in 
hostile  strife  with  thee  for  my  life." 

"  Thy  words  are  sensible/'  replied  the  King, 
"  and  thy  feeling  is,  as  I  suppose,  upright,  and 
unwillingly  do  I  think  of  thy  destruction ;  but  I 
am  compelled  by  kingcraft,  which  110  one  under- 
stands except  he  who  rules  as  father  over  his 
people.  Know,  then,  that  Cnesar  demands  that  I 
shall  deliver  thee  to  his  messenger." 

"  Will  the  great  King  of  the  people  obey,  like  a 
conquered  man,  the  command  of  a  jealous  Roman?" 

"  He  has  instigated  the  Kattens,  who  hasten  to 
seize  slaves  and  herds  from  my  people ;  on  thy 
account  the  Thuringian.3  sing  the  battle-song." 


226  1NGO. 

self,  and  listened  again;  from  below  there  sounds! 
a  murmur  of  voices  and  a  slight  clash  of  weapons. 
Then  she  tore  the  taper  from  the  high  candlestick, 
and  held  it  out  of  the  window,  so  that  the  smoke 
and  the  glaring  flame  floated  over  the  battle- 
ments of  the  tower,  and  the  owls  flew  away 
frightened.  A  few  minutes  afterwards  a  single 
hunting-call  answered  from  the  distance ;  the 
Queen  took  the  light  back,  ami  pushed  the  tapes- 
try before  the  opening  of  the  window. 

A  man's  step  sounded  on  the  stone  staircase. 
"  It  is  he,"  she  said  in  a  low  tone.  But  when  the 
door  o}  ne  ',  she  started  back,  for  King  Bisin<> 
entered,  liis  countenance  was  gloomy,  his  robust 
body  was  covered  with  a  coat  of  mail,  his  head 
with  a  steel  cap;  on  the  handle  of  his  sword  a 
blood-red  stone  gleamed  in  the  light.  "The 
Queen  is  attired  as  if  for  a  high  festival,"  he  said, 
angrily. 

"  Thou  didst  wish  it." 

"I  will  also  be  an  invisible  witness  of  thy 
conference  with  him,  that  thou  inayest  say  all 
that  I  have  commanded.  Listen  to  this  warning : 
at  the  foot  of  the  tower  tarry  two  of  my  Iwys 
with  hard  hands;  if  he  tlr.Mvu.1  without  me,  he 
will  not  pass  the  threshold  alive." 

"The  King  is  truly  careful,"  answered  Frau 


INGO.  227 

Gisela,  motionless.  Then  her  look  fell  upon  the 
King's  sword,  and  she  cried  out,  '•'  The  stone  on 
the  King'.s  knife  shines  bloodily ;  it  is  the  death - 
weapon  of  thine  ancestors."  With  difficulty 
mastering  her  terror,  she  continued,  "  From  the 
apartment  of  the  Queen,  formerly,  men's  swords 
were  excluded.  Why  has  the  King  transgressed 
my  rights  ? " 

"  It  is  only  foresight,  Gisela,"  replied  the  King, 
grimly.  He  walked  to  the  end  of  the  room, 
opened  a  little  side-door,  and  disappeared  behind 
it. 

The  Queen  stood  again  alone,  and  her  thoughts 
were  in  wild  tumult.  "  The  King  in  his  lurking- 
place  meditates  an  act  of  violence,  and  I  shall  be 
the  helper  of  an  unworthy  deed." 

Then  the  step  of  another  sounded  outside,  and 
Ingo  entered,  without  armour  or  a  sword.  "  I 
I  hank  thce,  cousin  Gisela,"  he  began  cordially, 
"  for  having  to-day  opened  thy  tower  to  me."  He 
looked  at  the  splendid  room,  at  the  embroidered 
tapestry  on  the  wall,  and  costly  articles  from 
foreign  lands.  "  Since  I  lost  my  mother,  I  have 
never  entered  the  state-chamber  of  a  Queen. 
Why  dost  thou  stand  so  solemnly,  cousin  ? "  he 
continued  sorrowfully :  "  forgive  me  if  I  do  not 
rejoice,  as  I  ought,  in  the  honour  thou  docst  me 


238  INOO. 

spoke  secretly,  and  the  boy  sat  between  them, 
holding  the  knees  of  both  with  his  hands. 

The  Vandals  and  the  King's  boys  lay 
separated  on  the  steps,  behind  their  shields. 
Above  them  sat  on  stools  the  two  sword-holders, 
Berthar  and  Hadubald,  opposite  one  another. 
Then  Iladubald  began :  "The  converse  in  the 
hall  of  our  sworn  lords  will,  I  think,  produce 
peace.  If  it  pleases  thee,  Hero,  we  will  ex- 
tinguish our  wrath  in  a  drink,  which  one  of  my 
comrades  knows  how  to  prepare  quickly,  for  the 
night-air  blows  cold." 

"  Incendiary  ! "  cried  Berthar,  grimly. 

"  Thou  actest  foolishly  in  blaming  the  servant, 
who  has  done  what  is  profitable  to  his  lord." 

"Night  murderer!"  growled  out  Berthar  again  ; 
"  thou  brokest  thy  faith  for  the  sake  of  the  King's 
beer ;  since  then  the  drink  has  been  spoilt  which 
thou  offerest." 

"He  who  haughtily  disdains  to  pledge  at  the 
beer-tap  may  take  care  that  his  blood  is  not 
tapped  on  the  green  heath." 

"  On  the  green  heath  and  in  the  dark  forest,  as 
also  here  in  our  dwelling,  thou  art  sure  of  bloody 
blows  so  soon  as  the  King's  peace  does  not  defend 
thee ;  content  thee  with  that,  Hero ! " 

Long  did   the   conference    last    between   the 


INGO.  239 

Kings ;  at  length  King  Bisino  called  out,  "  Bring- 
the  glasses,  cup-bearer,  for  a  love-drink  before 
the  Hero  Ingo  departs."  Willingly  did  the  men 
move  on  the  steps;  the  cup-bearer  ran  and  brought 
a  large  cup  of  mead,  and  the  Kings  made  a  vow 
to  one  another  over  the  cup  and  on  the  head  of 
the  boy.  "  And  now  we  separate,  Ingo,"  said  the 
King.  "  I  am  sorry  that  thou  art  a  travelling 
Hero,  and  not  one  of  rny  race ;  and  yet  if  thou 
wast  of  my  kindred,  I  should  perhaps  have  less 
confidence  in  thee." 

"  Think  of  me  kindly,  0  my  lord,"  said  Ingo, 
gratefully ;  and  he  joyfully  called  to  the  old  man, 
"Prepare  for  decamping;  we  depart." 

"We  came  by  the  light  of  the  sun,"  replied 
Berthar,  "  and  my  lord  and  his  heroes  will  not 
run  away  like  night  thieves.  If  the  Chieftain 
chooses  that  we  should  break  up  before  the  cock 
crows,  I  pray  of  thee,  King  Bisino,  that  thy  boys 
may  light  us  with  the  torches,  which  they  brought 
so  carefully  this  evening  round  this  house,  that 
we  might  not  at  our  departure  be  without  a 
bright  light." 

The  King  at  first  looked  angrily  at  the  bold 
man,  but  he  said,  "I  praise  thee;  thou  under- 
standest  how  to  fight  for  thy  master  with  blows 
and  with  words.  Mount  your  horses,  ye  proud 


240  INGO. 

guests,  and  ye  men,  light  the  brands,  for  the 
King  himself  will  be  their  escort  to  the  gate." 

On  the  bridge  Ingo  parted  from  tin-  King  and 
his  son,  and  all  were  astonished  when  the  King, 
after  the  farewell,  returned  once  more  over  the 
planks,  hastened  to  Ingo,  and  embraced  and  ki-srd 
him.  Berthar  looked  smilingly  at  the  gloomy 
countenances  of  the  King's  boys,  who  were  light- 
ing them.  "  Ride  at  a  foot's  pace,"  was  his  com- 
mand outside  the  gate  to  the  Vandals,  "  that  they 
may  not  imagine  that  we  fear  their  greeting  on 
our  backs."  After  a  time  he  called  out, " Take  the 
lead,  Wolf,  and  let  the  horses  gallop ;  the  night- 
air  blows  fresh,  and  well  has  the  journey  to  the 
King's  Castle  prospered  with  us ! n 

When  the  gates  closed  behind  the  guests,  the 
King  thus  commanded  his  boys :  "  Whoever, 
to-morrow  or  later,  prattles  about  this  night,  or 
whoever  whispers  in  drinking  with  the  Romans, 
as  I  have  heard  many  to-day,  the  King's  axr 
shall  cut  short  the  words  of  the  fool." 

Then  he  took  the  sleepy  child  in  his  arms,  and 
carried  it  to  his  own  room.  As  he  passed  by 
the  tower,  he  looked  gloomily  at  the  chamber  of 
the  Queen.  There  sat  a  disconsolate  woman, 
with  her  head  leaning  against  the  casement  of 
the  window,  listening  to  the  sound  of  voices,  and 


INGO.  2  H 

to  the  horses'  hoofs  which  were  heard  in  the 
distance.  But  the  King  thought,  "  If  she  were 
not  of  such  illustrious  race  it  would  be  better  for 
me  and  her;  for  I  would  willingly  give  her 
blows,  and  then  caress  her;  but  she  has  severed 
the  bond  of  union  between  herself  and  me,  and 
she  has  striven  against  my  sword :  does  she  think 
that  I  shall  forget  that  ?  As  far  as  concerns  the 
Roman,  I  am  heartily  pleased  that  he  does  not 
get  his  own  way ;  for  it  was  an  unworthy 
demand,  and  he  was  an  imperious  messenger 
Now  I  will  offer  the  silver  instead  of  the  gold 
that  he  requires.  On  the  following  morning  the 
King  summoned  the  astonished  Harietto,  and 
said  to  him :  "  For  great  Caesar's  sake,  I  have 
done  and  carried  out  what  the  honour  of  a  King 
has  permitted  me,  and  nothing  more;  I  have 
recalled  the  right  of  guest  from  the  banished 
man,  and  left  him  without  escort  wherewith  to 
leave  my  country,  and  be  trots  now  far  from 
home."  When  the  King  went  again  to  his 
treasure-house,  and  observed  his  lace  in  the 
dishes,  he  said  to  himself,  sighing  :  "  One  anxiety 
has  passed  away,  but  another  greater  has  come  : 
only  one  thing  I  like ;  it  is  an  honest  facj  that  [ 
look  at." 


-  12  INGO. 


IX.  •  ' 

AT  IDISBURQ. 

WHEN  the  sap  was  swelling  in  the  branches  of 
the  trees,  and  the  young  foliage  was  bursting 
forth  from  the  buds,  the  young  men  of  the 
forest  villages  were  seized  with  a  desire  to  travel. 
There  was  a  secret  humming  in  the  houses,  and 
brisk  fellows  were  holding  quiet  counsel  in  the 
concealment  of  the  forest  thicket;  for  the  expe- 
dition had  not  been  ordered  by  the  old  and  v  i 
the  district,  and  the  holy  sacrifice  of  the  country 
was  not  to  consecrate  it ;  it  was  only  the  dis- 
contented who  were  separating  themselves  from 
their,  loved  home,  wilfully  and  at  their  own  risk, 
because  they  had  a  mind  for  a  better  share  of 
land.  In  the  beginning  only  a  few  had  decided 
to  seek  their  fortunes  in  a  foreign  country — 
among  them  Baldhard  and  Bruno,  the  sons  of 
Bero :  but  soon  others  were  seized  with  the  same 
longing — younger  sons  of  respectable  families, 


INGO.  2*3 

who  disliked  their  neighbours.  Many  a  one  was 
secretly  reminded  by  the  maiden  whom  he  loved, 
that  he  had  wooed  her  before  the  projected 
journey;  and  where  a  father  had  many  daugh- 
ters he  ventured  his  child  on  this  distant  hope. 
This  was  not  an  expedition  to  an  unknown  dis- 
tance, to  which  the  moon  and  the  stars,  the 
blowing  wind,  or  the  flying  raven  led;  for 
the  place  of  their  new  abode  lay  only  a  few 
days' journey  from  the  district  border,  and  the 
road  was  through  the  forests  and  marshes  through 
which  former  families  of  their  fellow-countrymen 
had  gone.  Therefore  the  travellers  cared  little 
for  the  dangers  of  the  road,  and  not  much  about 
nourishment  and  fodder  for  the  cattle.  Then 
also,  where  they  wished  to  settle  they  could  hope 
for  a  kindly  greeting ;  for  a  prudent  friend  had 
carefully  arranged  beforehand  about  their  jour- 
ney, and  had  concluded  a  compact  with  the  peo- 
ple to  whom  they  went.  These  willing  wanderers 
prepared  for  their  departure  more  secretly  than 
was  usually  the  custom  ;  for  all  the  Chiefs  of  the 
district  were  not  pleased  at  the  journey,  by 
which  the  number  of  their  young  warriors  was 
diminished ;  amongst  these  was  Prince  Answald, 
and  the  family  of  Sintrain,  who  sought  to  prevent 
the  outpour,  as  far  as  their  power  reached.  The 


214  INGO. 

travellers  had  also  to  fear  the  jealousy  of  the 
King,  for  he  might  disturb  their  settlement 
l>i-r.)re  they  were  firmly  rooted  on  the  new 
ground.  Therefore  they  had  associated  them- 
selves together  in  secret  counsel  at  night,  and 
had  chosen  the  sons  of  Bero  for  their  leaders; 
during  the  last  month  they  had  prepared  for 
the  expedition,  had  obtained  contributions  among 
thfir  friends,  provided  themselves  with  waggons 
and  agricultural  tools,  and,  as  far.  as  they  could, 
bargained  for  cattle.  They  wished  to  break  up 
singly,  and  with  little  stir,  and  to  collect  together 
on  the  other  side  of  the  district  boundary  in 
orderly  company. 

In  the  early  morning  the  waggons  stood  packed 
with  corn  and  house  utensils ;  a  cover  of  leather 
was  spread  over  the  firm  joists  of  wood;  the 
yoked  oxen  bellowed,  the  women  and  children 
drove  the  herds  behind  the  waggons,  and  large 
dogs,  the  trusty  companions  of  the  travellers, 
barked  round  them;  their  fellow-kinsmen  and 
neighbours  brought  them,  at  their  departure, 
what  would  serve  as  food  for  their  journey,  or  a 
keepsake  from  home.  The  departure  was  not 
altogether  joyful ;  even  the  most  courageous  man 
was  secretly  anxious  about  the  future.  Though 
the  new  country  was  no  great  distance,  it  was 


INGO.  245 

unknown  to  almost  all,  and  ifc  was  uncertain 
whether  the  Gods  of  their  home  would  there 
grant  them  protection,  or  whether  noxious 
reptiles  and  polecats  would  destroy  the  cattle  or 
the  seed,  or  whether  hostile  men  might  burn 
their  houses.  The  children  also  felt  frightened ; 
they  sat  quiet  on  the  sacks,  and  the  little  ones 
wept,  although  the  parents  had  encircled  their 
heads  and  necks  with  healing  herbs  which  are 
dear  to  the  Gods.  The  travellers  rose  with  the 
rising  sun ;  the  elders  of  their  family  or  some  wise 
mother  spoke  a  blessing  on  their  journey,  and  all 
murmured  a  prayer  for  good  fortune,  and  exor- 
cised away  dangerous  beasts  of  the  forest,  and 
roving  robbers.  But  the  other  village  people  who 
remained  at  home  looked  upon  the  wanderers  as 
lost  men  :  the  offenders  who  gave  up  the  blessings 
of  home,  appeared  to  them  as  if  possessed  by  an 
evil  spirit.  Although  the  country  people  were 
powerfully  attracted  to  distant  parts,  yet  they 
always  feared  a  life  far  from  their  holy  places, 
and  from  the  customs  and  laws  of  their  home. 

The  waggons  moved  rumbling  up  the  hills; 
from  the  heights  the  wanderers  looked  back  once 
more  upon  the  village  of  their  fathers,  and  bowed 
themselves  with  a  greeting  to  the  invisible  powers 
of  the  plain;  many  a  discontented  fellow  sent  a 


246  INGO. 

curse  back  upon  their  enemies,  who  had  made  tlirir 
home-hearth  insupportable.  Then  they  all  took 
their  way  through  the  mountain  forest.  T«  ills  .me 
was  the  journey,  over  stony  roads  in  which  the 
snow-waters  had  made  deep  furrows;  the  men 
had  often  to  dismount  from  their  horses,  and  with 
mattocks  and  spades  to  make  the  path  more 
practicable;  the  wild  cries  and  cracking  of  the 
whips  of  the  drivers  resounded ;  the  boys  sprang 
behind  the  waggons,  and  \vith  stones  prevented 
them  from  running  back;  often  the  draught-cattle 
tugged  in  vain,  till  one  team  helped  the  other,  or 
men  and  women  put  their  strong  shoulders  to  the 
wheels.  When  the  road  was  more  practicable, 
then  the  men  rode,  watching  the  caravan  with 
raised  weapons,  ready  to  fight  against  wild  beasts 
or  lawless  forest  rovers.  But  when  the  wanderers 
aftrr  the  first  day's  journey,  reached  the  loiu-ly 
forest  valley  which  was  appointed  for  their  meet- 
ing-place, then  all  the  toil  of  the  day  was  forgotten 
in  the  joy  of  seeing  before  them  in  the  wilderness 
their  fellow-countrymen ;  shrilly  did  the  new- 
comers shout  from  the  heights,  and  those  who  \u-iv 
encamped  answered  with  a  like  call;  those  who  had 
formerly  been  little  acquainted  greeted  one  another 
a.s  brothers.  The  men  collected  in  a  body,  and 
Baldliard,  who  was  expert  in  measuring,  marked 


INGO.  24-7 

out  the  place  for  the  encampment  with  staves. 
Then  the  draught-cattle  were  unharnessed,  the 
waggons  were  pushed  together  like  a  rampart,  and 
in  the  circle  the  night-fire  was  kindled  on  stones 
which  had  been  brought  together.  Whilst  the 
domestic  animals  were  feeding,  guarded  by  armed 
youths  and  dogs,  the  women  were  preparing  the 
evening  repast ;  but  the  men  made  night-pens 
for  the  sheep  of  the  copsewood,  they  divided  the 
watches,  and  fetched  from  the  waggon  the  strong 
drink  that  they  had  brought  with  them;  then  they 
lay  down,  and  spoke  quietly  of  the  good  meadow- 
land  that  they  hoped  to  find  on  the  Idisbach,  and 
in  the  endless  forest  at  the  south  of  the  mountains ; 
how  stony  the  cultivated  ground  was,  how  steep 
the  country,  and  therefore  how  thinly  this  moun- 
tain land  must  be  inhabited.  When  the  meal 
was  ended,  the  most  valuable  of  the  horses  and 
cattle  were  assembled  within  the  circle  of  the 
waggons,  and  the  sleepy  children  concealed  under 
the  leather  coverings.  After  them  the  women 
ascended  into  the  narrow  space  ;  only  the  men  sat 
for  a  time  sociably  with  their  drinking-horns,  till 
their  eyes  became  heavy,  and  the  cold  night-air 
stopped  their  jollity.  Then  they  wrapped  them- 
selves in  skins  and  coverlets,  and  laid  themselves 
down  by  the  fire  and  under  the  waggons.  It 


I1  t-S  INGO. 

became  more  still ;  only  the  wind  blew  from  the 
mountains,  and  the  watchers,  pacing  round  the 
circle  of  waggons  and  the  pen,  occasionally  threw 
logs  of  wood  on  the  blazing  fire.  But  the  dogs 
barked  incessantly,  and  in  the  distance  there  was 
the  sound  of  violent  howl  ing,  and  around  the  fire- 
circle  trotted  greedy  beasts  of  prey,  like  shadows 
in  the  rising  mist. 

In  this  way  the  wanderers  travelled  slowly  for 
three  days  through  the  mountain  forest ;  the  rain 
poured  down  on  them,  and  the  wind  dried  their 
wet  clothes.  Sometimes  they  stopped  in  the 
valleys  at  the  houses  of  their  countrymen  ;  there 
they  met  either  wild  fellows  who  had  been 
hardened  by  their  forest  life,  or  poor  settlers  who 
complained  of  the  rough  arable  land,  and  thus 
made  the  hearts  of  the  travellers  heavy.  On  the 
fourth  morning  they  passed  by  the  wooden 
scaffolding  of  a  tower  which  was  built  on  the 
country  boundary  of  Thuringia ;  the  watchman, 
who  dwelt  in  a  house  near  to  it,  and  formerly 
had  little  occasion  to  be  anxious  about  travelling 
bands,  looked  with  astonishment  on  the  travel- 
lers; but  these  greeted  him  loudly,  for  although 
he  was  only  a  lonely  forest  man,  he  was  the  la-t 
of  their  people.  Then  they  were  an  hour  in 
passing  through  the  border  \vii- Ic-imss, — Lanva 


INGO.  249 

gravel  heights,  and  gnarled  pines,  where  no 
settler  had  ever  built  a  house,  and  the  sound  of  an 
axe  had  seldom  been  heard ;  for  it  was  a  weird 
tract,  and  it  was  said  that  mischievous  spirits 
floated  along  the  boundary,  because  they  were 
excluded  from  the  ground  which  the  good  Gods 
of  the  people  guarded  for  the  men  who  dwelt 
there.  But  on  the  other  side  of  the  pine  wood, 
the  settlers  looked  from  the  height  joyfully  upon 
a  wide  valley,  which  was  enclosed  by  high  hills 
and  thick  woods.  Along  this  flowed  the  Idisbach 
in  a  winding  course  through  the  meadows,  and 
at  the  foot  of  the  heights  were  houses  and 
divisions  of  arable  land.  The  sun  shone  gaily 
over  the  bright  green  and  sprouting  foliage,  the 
horses  snuffed  as  they  scented  the  fresh  air  of 
the  valley,  and  the  oxen  bellowed  in  view  of  the 
meadow ;  but  the  wanderers  raised  their  arms  in 
prayer  to  the  Goddess  who  ruled  over  the  valley, 
and  could  well  protect  the  life  of  these  men,  if 
they  were  dear  to  her. 

A  horseman  sprang  to  meet  the  wanderers,  and 
even  from  a  distance  whirled  his  spear  in  greet- 
ing through  the  air.  The  settlers  shouted  to  him, 
for  they  recognized  in  him  their  countryman 
Wolf;  the  women  also  thronged  about  his  horse, 
and  the  children  stretched  out  their  little  hands 


INGO. 

from  the  waggon.  "Welcome  to  yon,  dcnr 
countrymen!"  exclaimed  Wolf,  "the  journey  is 
accomj>li.»h<'d.  Encamp  near  the  houses ;  for  on 
yonder  hill  the  wise  men  of  the  district  arc  wait- 
ing at  the  sacrificial  stone  to  make  a  firm  alliance 
with  you,  that  you  may  lawfully  become  part  of 
the  people,  and  gain  your  lot  of  land."  Then 
they  were  all  excited  with  new  zeal,  and  followed 
the  turf  path  to  the  valley. 

Then  Baldhard  began  confidentially  to  Wolf, 
who  was  riding  near  him.  "  You  raced  in  the 
night  and  fog,  past  our  houses,  from  the  King's 
Castle  at  Thuringia,  like  supernatural  figures  of 
darkness.  Then  there  was  scarcely  time  to 
press  thy  hand,  and  .to  speak  of  the  days  of 
our  journey.  Since  then,  we  have  neither  seen 
nor  heard  anything  of  you ;  I  have  felt  great 
anxiety  about  your  fate,  yet  I  was  obliged  to 
conceal  my  doubts  from  the  others." 

Wolf  laughed.  "The  Vandals  understand 
the  art  of  making  themselves  invisible;  and  I 
think  that,  above  all  others,  the  Hero  Berthar 
is  of  the  race  of  the  forest  fitchet,  for  he  sped 
through  the  wild  fern,  as  much  at  home  as  we 
of  the  village,  although  he  rode  through  as  a 
stranger.  Even  their  horses  lay  themselves  down 
in  the  forest  cover,  like  lurking  dogs.  We 


JNGO.  251 

galloped  unseen  over  the  boundary,  and  pene- 
trated into  this  countiy.  Here  we  met  with  a 
good  reception ;  thy  father  had  prepared  every- 
thing carefully  for  us.  My  lord  Ingo  governs 
here  as  Chieftain;  and  the  peasants  of  Marvingia 
are,  I  observe,  pleased  with  him.  But  the  people 
here  thou  wilt  consider  as  old-fashioned  and 
respectable.  They  still  drink  their  beer  out 
of  thick  bowls  of  oak-wood,  which  truly  are 
heavy  to  raise  ;  yet  the  drink  is  excellent.  But 
since  we  have  been  here,  we  have  had  little 
leisure :  part  of  us  work  with  hammer  and  axe 
on  the  hills,  and  others  followed  the  Prince  to 
the  south,  over  the  Main,  to  the  Burgundians. 
To-day  you  come  at  a*  good  hour ;  for  the 
Chieftain,  to  whom  you  wish  to  pay  fealty,  has 
just  now  returned.  Prince  Ingo  expects  you  at 
the  people's  sacrifice." 

"If  thou  seest  the  Hero  Berthar,"  replied 
Baldhard,  "  give  him  this,  from  Frida,  my  sister ; 
she  earnestly  desired  it  to  be  wound  for  him 
in  the  Prince's  house."  And  he  laid  a  ball  of 
string  in  his  hand. 

From  the  encampment  the  Thuringians  rode  up 
to  a  mountain  which  raised  its  round  head  above 
the  other  heights.  Before  the  last  ascent  Iiio-o 
was  awaiting  them,  with  his  followers  on  horse- 


2.")  2  INOO. 

back.  The  Vandals  sprang  down  when  the 
settlers  approached,  and  called  out  a  joyful 
uii  ,  ting  to  them.  The  Thuringians,  also,  were 
inspirited,  when  they  saw  before  them  the 
Hero  to  whom  they  had  once  given  hospitality 
at  their  home,  and  who  might  be  to  them  a  good 
leader  in  danger,  and  a  just  judge.  Ingo  led 
the  band  up  the  hill  to  the  sacrificial  stone, 
vlirre  the  men  of  the  valley  stood  thickly 
packed,  and  in  front  of  them,  Marvalk,  a  grey- 
headed man,  their  sacrificing  Priest.  They 
divided  themselves  into  three  bands  round  the 
stone;  on  which  three  times  three  oxen  were 
offered  to  the  good  Gods — three  for  each  nation. 
Over  the  sacrificial  kettle  the  men  bound  them- 
selves by  a  covenant,  and  vowed  to  honour  the 
Hero  Ingo  as  Chieftain.  After  that  the  sacri- 
ficial feast  was  prepared  under  the  shade  of  the 
trees,  and  it  appeared  to  all  as  a  good  gift,  when 
the  Chieftain  rose  and  announced  to  his  people 
that  the  old  quarrel  with  the  Burgundians  about 
the  boundaiy  was  settled. 

From  the  sacrificial  feast  Ingo  rode  with 
Berthar  along  the  valley  to  another  height,  on 
which  the  Vandals  had  entrenched  their  home. 
On  the  way,  he  said,  joyfully,  "  We  have  com.  t<> 
terms  with  two  Kings,  and  we  may  pn>*.pei 


INGO.  253 

if  the  Gods  remain  gracious  to  us.  1  have  to 
thank  thy  warlike  expedition  with  the  Burgun« 
dians  for  my  success  with  King  Gundomar;  he 
now  resents  the  arrogance  of  the  Romans,  and 
will,  I  hope,  keep  the  peace  for  some  time." 

"  Meanwhile  let  us  plant  ourselves  here  firmly 
among  the  rocks,"  said  Berthar,  laughing,  "and  in 
a  few  years  it  will  be  difficult  for  even  a  great 
King  to  break  into  our  new  seat.  Look  there, 
my  King,  at  the  strength  of  thine  own  house." 

From  a  woody  hill-side  towered  up  a  steep 
rocky  hill,  like  a  mountain  nose,  over  the  valley 
of  Idisburg,  separated  from  the  heights  behind 
by  a  chasm.  The  hill  rose  proudly  out  of  the 
green  valley ;  on  its  summit  were  old  oak  trees, 
its  only  foliage.  For  on  the  side  of  the  hill  the 
trees  had  been  felled,  and  about  half-way  up  the 
stems  had  been  piled  in  layers,  with  the  stones 
from  the  rock,  and  earth,  forming  a  thick 
barricade  ;  a  trench  was  thrown  up  before  it,  so 
far  removed  from  the  summit  that  no  spears 
could  reach  the  height.  Cleverly  had  the  old 
man  made  use  of  the  channel  of  the  water  and 
the  little  ravines,  in  order  to  make  a  secure  path 
from  the  summit  to  the  surrounding  rampart, 
so  that,  on  the  day  of  battle,  the  besieged 
might  hasten  up  and  down  without  the  enemy 


L~4  IN  GO. 

Veing  able  to  hit  them  from  below;  but  he  lm<l  sn 
scarped  the  entrenched  declivity  that  stones  and 
spears  could  find  a  free  path  downwards  from  tht» 
commanding  height.  Then,  where  the  protect  in;; 
hill  joined  the  slope,  the  trench  was  deeper  and 
the  rampart  higher.  On  this  side  a  strong  spring 
flowed  from  under  a  projecting  rock  within  the 
outer  rampart,  not  very  far  from  the  summit 
of  the  hill.  There  the  workmen  had  pre- 
served the  trees,  in  order  that  the  entrance  to  the 
spring  might  be  shady  and  secure.  But  the 
summit  of  the  hill  was  levelled,  and  along  its 
edge  a  second  rampart  was  formed  with  layers  of 
stones  and  stems.  It  surrounded  the  oaks,  ami 
a  space  which  was  large  enough  to  enclose  the 
herds  and  wives  and  children  of  the  settlers  in 
time  of  danger.  Where  the  steep  riding-path 
led  from  the  valley  through  the  surrounding 
ramparts  to  the  fortress,  it  was  barred  by  a  gate, 
and  there  was  a  wooden  tower  for  the  watchman 
at  the  entrance.  On  the  summit  of  the  hill,  in 
the  midst  of  the  trees,  Ingo's  men  had  constructed 
a  King's  hall  of  large  beams ;  near  to  it  stakes 
put  into  the  ground  denoted  the  places  wlu-rc 
the  dwellings  of  the  men,  the  stalls  for  the  horses 
and  cattle,  and  the  room  for  the  stons  \\riv  to  be 
built.  But  in  order  that  the  King  might  not  be 


IXGO.  255 

without  a  room  during  the  time  of  building,  a 
wooden  house  was  erected  for  him  on  the  top  of 
the  highest  oak-tree.  Betwixt  the  strong  branches 
the  boys  had  arranged  level  rafters,  and  had 
nailed  over  them  planks,  and  had  cut  off  the 
inner  oak  branches,  or  drawn  them  outward  and 
so  covered  the  free  space  in  the  foliage  with 
boards,  that  two  stories  stood  over  one  another 
at  the  top.  Small  steps  ran  up  the  stem,  and 
both  the  rooms  were  closed  below  by  a  trap-door. 
With  great  pleasure  did  In  go  look  on  the  work 
that  had  been  done.  With  still  greater  pleasure 
did  the  old  architect  lead  him  from  place  to  place. 
"  Free  as  the  birds  did  we  come  into  this  land,"  he 
said,  laughing,  "  and  among  the  birds  my  King 
shall  dwell,  till  a  hearth-seat  and  hall  shall  be 
prepared  for  him.  And  look — under  there,  by  the 
brook  of  the  Weird  Sister,  the  Thuringian  boys 
are  arranging  already  a  waggon  bulwark,  in  the 
place  where  they  are  to  build  their  village.  I 
have  placed  with  them  thy  chamberlain  Wolf, 
for  he  is  versed  in  the  customs  of  their  country. 
Look  farther  down  in  the  valley, — there  is  a 
delightful  land  for  the  ox  herds;  and  out  of  the 
forest  behind,  the  deer  stalks  and  the  wild  ox 
bellows.  But  in  the  distance,  towards  the  south, 
where  the  Idisbach  runs  into  the  Main,  thou 


256  INGO. 


the  grey  forest  of  the  Burgundians  and 
tin-  hills  on  which  they  have  disposed  their 
border  fortre.-- 

"  The  habitation  is  constructed,"  answered 
Ing">,  giving  his  hand  to  the  trusty  man,  "  but 
the  forest  singer,  whom  I  wish  to  conceal  in  it, 
sits  lamenting  on  the  other  side  of  the  mountain. 
The  greatest  deed  is  still  to  ba  done.  Joyless  do 
I  roam  about,  and  sorrow  for  the  fate  of  another 
oppresses  my  heart." 

"  For  that,  take  my  message.  This  was  sent 
by  Bero's  daughter  from  the  Prince's  house," 
answered  Berthar,  drawing  out  a  string  with  a 
row  of  hazel  nut*.  "  Observe,  my  King  ;  the 
maiden  has  ingeniously  marked  for  thee  the 
space  of  time.  The  first  fruit,  half-white  and 
half-black,  means  the  time  of  equal  days  and 
nights,  each  other  a  following  day;  on  each 
seventh  the  picture  of  the  changing  moon  is  cut; 
the  last  nut  is  black,  and  there  is  a  needle  stuck 
in  it.;  this  signifies,  as  I  understand  it,  the  day 
which  is  fixed  for  the  marriage.  Now  count,  my 
lord.  Short  is  the  time  which  remains  to  thee  ; 
the  moon  has  changed  for  the  last  time." 

Then  Ingo  exclaimed,  "  Choose  for  me,  father, 
tin-  Mood-comrades  for  a  desperate  deed,  and 
equip,  according  to  the  custom  of  our  home,  the 


INGO.  257 

men  and  horses  for  the  Vandal  to  ride  into  the 
black  night.  But  do  thou  pray  with  us  to  the 
night-spirits  for  storm  and  darkness." 

The  black  clouds  drove  over  the  forest  bower ; 
the  shadows  spread  themselves,  and  glided  again 
together ;  now  there  passed  over  the  moon  some- 
thing like  a  man's  hand,  now  like  the  gold  glim- 
mering foot  of  a  horse.  Thick  mist  rolled  down 
from  the  tops  of  the  mountain,  and  enveloped 
the  heights  in  a  leaden  grey,  floated  into  the 
valleys,  and  veiled  in  dusky  twilight  whatever  was 
prominent  on  the  earth, — rock,  and  foliage,  and 
moving  men.  The  wind  howled  over  the  moun- 
tains, long  echoing  wailings,  and  shook  the  tops 
of  the  trees,  so  that  their  branches  bent  low  into 
the  valley ;  here  and  there  a  dull  sound  was 
heard  in  the  forest,as  of  a  heavy  fall;  old  primaeval 
stems,  hollowed  by  mouldering  decay,  broke 
asunder;  tree  was  hurled  upon  tree,  and  tore 
those  which  cracked  under  the  heavy  burden 
deep  down  into  the  narrow  valley.  The  scared 
ravens  flew  screaming  asunder,  and  whirled 
downwards  into  the  clefts,  where  they  firmly 
clung  with  beaks  and  claws.  Below,  the  foaming 
flood  of  the  stream  roared  angrily ;  it  surged 
against  the  barrier  of  trees,  and  rose  from  rock 
to  rock ;  branches  and  stems  spun  round  in  it, 

17 


258  FNOO. 

whirling  madly,  and  the  torrent  of  waters  dashed 
itself  against  the  mountains. 

A  pale  light  spread  itself  over  the  forest  hills ; 
perhaps  it  came  from  the  earth,  perhaps  from  tho 
clouds  in  the  heavens;  indistinctly  did  one  see 
the  mountains  towering  over  the  dark,  light  of  the 
valley.  Suddenly  there  was  a  flash  of  lightning, 
and  wilder  than  the  roar  of  the  forest  and  the 
cracking  of  trees  sounded  the  lordly  call  of  the 
thunder-God. 

Ingo  was  standing  high  above  the  torrent ;  he 
held  himself  fast  with  his  hand  to  a  root,  which 
projected  sidewards  from  the  ground,  and  rever- 
rntly  he  bent  his  head  to  the  flash  and  thunder- 
clap. "Among  the  night-Gods  whom  I  conjured 
to  my  aid,"  he  murmured,  "dost  thou  also 
approach,  powerful  Ruler?  What  does  heaven's 
flame  in  which  thou  travellest  announce  to  the 
suppliant  man  ?  Dost  thou  warn  me  away  fnun 
man's  earth  to  the  halls  of  light,  and  shall  I  le 
shattered  like  the  forest  heads  in  the  storm  ?  Or 
wilt  thou  grant  me  that,  like  the  fruit  which  falls 
from  thy  trees,  I  shall  abide  firmly  in  the  valleys 
where  men  dwell  ?  If  thou  hast  a  token  for  me, 
let  me  perceive  whether  the  deed  which  1  il.nv 
will  prosper  to  me."  Then  fell  a  flash  of  lightning 
from  the  clouds  on  to  the  rock  beneath  him,  and 


INGO.  259 

from  the  rock  a  blue  light  flamed,  meeting  the 
lightning;  the  thunder  crashed,  the  rock-head 
separated  itself,  and  leapt  down  from  the  heights 
into  the  valley;  ever  wilder  in  its  leaps  and  quicker 
in  its  springs,  it  broke  through  the  forest,  and 
splitting,  dashed  into  the  torrent,  scattering  the 
foam  high  up  to  the  heavens.  But  the  crack  and 
the  flash  were  followed  by  a  stillness,  and  in  the 
distance  was  heard  the  night-cry  of  men's  voices. 
Then  Ingo  exclaimed  with  wild  joy,  "  I  hear  the 
wedding  boys  inviting  me  to  carry  off  the  bride  : 
bless  our  work,  great  Ruler !  "  and  swinging  his 
weapon,  he  sprang  through  the  thunder-clouds 
and  dark  night  into  the  valley. 

The  moon  had  disappeared  behind  the  moun- 
tains ;  black  night  covered  the  forest  arbour ;  the 
storm-giants  coursed  crashing  round  the  houses 
of  the  Prince's  Manor;  they  struck  the  iron  eaves 
of  the  roofs  from  the  planks  on  the  top  of  the- 
hull,  and  pushed  roaring  against  the  closed  doors 
Any  of  the  men  who  were  awake  amid  the  raging 
of  the  night-powers,  hid  their  heads  timidly  on 
their  pillows ;  even  the  dogs  in  the  courtyard  lay 
whining  among  the  huts  and  under  the  stairs. 
In  the  chamber  of  the  noble  maiden,  the  light  of 
the  lamp  flickered  in  the  sharp  draught  of  air, 
which  forced  its  way  through  doors  and  walls. 


INGO. 

Irmgard  was  sitting  on  her  bed ;  Frida  knelt 
before  her  on  the  ground,  holding  her  play-fellow 
clasped  in  her  arms,  and  listening  anxiously  to 
the  howling  of  the  night-spirits. 

"  The  wind's  bride  flies  over  the  houses,"  said 
Irmgard,  piteously,  "  chased  by  the  giant ;  they 
say  any  one  who  ventured  to  throw  his  knife 
into  the  whirl  would  wound  the  flying  woman. 
My  father  has  threatened  me  also  with  the  knife, 
because  I  prayed  him  on  my  knees  to  release 
me  to-morrow  from  the  vow  to  the  bad  man. 
Thither  I  will  flee,  like  the  giant's  bride,  before 
I  say  the  holy  words  to  the  hated  one." 

"Do  not  speak  so  fearfully,"  implored  Frida, 
"lest  the  superhuman  powers  without  should 
hear  it,  and  remind  thee  of  thy  speech;"  and 
a^ain  she  raised  her  head  and  listened. 

"Not  long  did  the  happiness  last,  which  the 
Gods  sent  me  when  he  entered  the  house,"  began 
Irmgard  again.  "  Then  I  was  without  care  ; 
when  the  night-songsters  sang  kindly  to  me,  and 
the  blackberries  hung  on  the  bushes.  I  proudly 
thought,  when  he  spoke  to  me,  I  should  float  in 
feather  attire  over  man's  earth.  Now  I  stop 
alone  in  the  darkness.  I  must  hate  myself,"  she 
continued,  "  for  lamenting  over  my  own  danger. 
Ingo,  loved  one,  bitter  is  the  anxiety  which  I 


INQO.  2G1 

feel  about  myself,  but  greater  the  sorrow  about 
thy  fate,  for  thou  hast  vanished  in  the  night- 
wind;  no  one  brings  me  news  of  thee,  and  I 
know  not  whether  thou  thinkest  of  me,  or  hast 
forgotten  me.  Dost  thou  still  breathe  in  the 

O 

foreign  land,  oppressed,  like  me  ?  or  shall  I  put 
the  purple  under  the  earth-clod  for  thee  ? "  She 
sprang  up,  and  exclaimed,  "  On  my  heart  I  con- 
cealed thy  secret;  I  am  bound  to  thy  life,  and 
must  live  till  I  know  where  the  head  of  my 
King  rests.  See  whether  the  morning  ap- 
proaches for  which  I  tremble,"  she  cried  out  to 
her  companion. 

Frida  sprang  to  the  window-opening,  and 
pushed  back  a  corner  of  the  curtain;  a  shrill 
blast  of  wind  broke  in,  and  the  water  of  the 
heavens  dashed  into  the  room,  and  struck  a  cold 
blow  on  the  cheeks  of  the  women. 

"  I  see  no  grey  dawn  in  the  heaven,  and  hear 
no  sound  but  the  groaning  in  the  air,"  replied 
Frida,  and  closed  the  opening  again  with  shutters 
and  the  curtain. 

"  Thanks  to  thee !"  said  Irmgard,  "  there  is  yet 
a  little  time  to  be  joyful.  But  when  the  morning 
comes,  then  the  wedding-guests  will  collect ;  they 
will  approach  in  festive  dress,  and  the  circle  will 
be  closed ;  they  will  draw  the  woman  in,  they  will 


•2(J-2  INOO. 

speak  tlie  words  before  her,  and  mock  her  by  the 
question,  whether  she  will  vow.  '  No ! '  she  cries 
out.  Then  I  see  frightened  faces,  and  one  red 
with  anger.  He  grasps  the  knife.  '  Strike  me  ! " 
Then,  concealing  her  face  in  her  hands,  she  moaned 
out,  "  Poor  father !  thou  also  wilt  be  sorrowful  to 
lose  thy  child.  For  I  go  up  thither  upon  a 
lonely  path,  I  glide  over  empty  heaths,  I  wade 
through  ice  streams ;  still  is  the  way  and  cold  is 
the  night  to  the  door  of  the  Goddess  of  death, 
and  around  me  move  dark  shadows  silently." 

The  door  of  the  house  groaned  heavily,  and 
sprang  open;  a  shadowy  figure  pressed  in, — a 
second,  a  whole  troop, — gigantic  figures  with 
black  heads  and  black  dresses.  The  women  ffen 
terror-struck  at  the  night-outrage.  But  out  of 
the  circle  of  silent  gliding  monsters,  one  sprang 
forward.  Only  one  sound,  whether  a  cry  or  a 
sigh,  came  from  Irmgard's  lips;  a  dark  cap  fell 
over  her  head;  she  was  seized  with  giant  strength, 
and  carried  out  into  the  stormy  night.  Behind 
her  another  of  the  night-comrades  threw  a  cover- 
ing over  Frida's  head,  and  wished  to  raise  her. 
But  she  struggled  violently,  and  although  she 
shuddered,  yet  she  cried  out,  "  Freely  will  I  go 
on  my  own  feet,  even  among  night  apparitions ; 
K'hiud  the  bear-skin  cap  I  observe  one  with  red 


INQO.  2G3 

locks,  whom  I  know."  The  next  moment  the 
room  was  empty,  the  outward  door  closed,  and 
the  night-comrades  sprang  into  the  free  air 
through  a  great  gap  which  they  had  broken  in 
the  wall  of  the  court.  The  wild  horses  snorted 
under  the  storm  and  rain,  and  carried  the  horse- 
men into  it.  Again  the  spirits  of  the  storm 
screamed  shrill  cries  of  revenge,  and  hurled  the 
water  of  the  clouds  against  the  roof  of  the  house 
from  which  the  Prince's  child  had  vanished. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  following  day,  the 
storm  had  ceased,  and  the  sun  coloured  with  rosy 
evening  light  the  oaks  of  Idisburg.  Then  out  of 
the  dark  forest  which  projected  behind  the  circle  of 
wood,  sprang  a  band  of  horsemen  up  to  the  fortress. 
Berthar,  who  himself  kept  watch  in  the  tower, 
hastened  to  the  gate,  and  raising  his  arms,  called  a 
greeting  of  welcome  to  the  new  comers.  The  horses 
entered  into  the  court,  and  two  veiled  women 
were  lifted  down.  Ingo  loosened  the  hood  of 
the  first,  and  Irmgard's  pale  face  was  lighted  up  by 
the  sun.  The  Vandals  threw  themselves  on  their 
knees  before  her,  seized  her  hand  and  the  hem  of 
her  garment,  and  hailed  their  Queen  with  cries  of 
jubilee.  But  Berthar  approached  the  motionless 
one  respectfully,  took  her  hand,  and  said,  "  Close 
the  ring,  blood-comrades,  and  pray  that  the  high 


264  INGO. 

Gods  may  bless  the  alliance  of  the  King  and 
Queen."  First  he  put  the  holy  wedding  <[ii< ^titui 
to  Ingo,  Ingbert's  son,  the  King  of  the  Vandals. 
Then  the  old  man,  who  stood  in  the  place  of 
father,  turned  to  the  noble  maiden,  and  put  the 
same  question.  For  the  first  time  since  that 
fearful  night  her  lips  opened,  and  the  trem- 
bling words  sounded — "  Yes,  I  will ; "  then  the 
Vandal  wife  concealed  her  face  on  the  breast  of 
the  man  who  was  dear  to  her.  The  bridal  feast 
was  prepared  under  the  oak  trees ;  the  boys 
brought  the  wooden  tables,  and  placed  them  on 
the  cross-beams  which  they  had  arranged ;  they 
had  also  carefully  made  raised  arm-chairs  as  a 
seat  of  honour  for  the  Host  and  Hostess.  "  Let 
the  wild  meal  of  thy  boys,  noble  Princess,  please 
thee  to-day  as  a  welcome,"  begged  the  old  man. 
"  We  offer  thee  wooden  dishes  instead  of  silver, 
and  a  drink  from  the  spring,  and  the  mead 
brewed  by  the  peasants,  and  the  flesh  of  a  boar 
from  their  own  forest.  Be  gracious  and  favour- 
able to  thy  people." 

In  the  evening  Berthar,  standing  in  front  of  the 
oaks,  said  to  Ingo,  "  During  my  long  life,  I  have 
often  been  happy  in  my  mind,  when  I  was  only 
a  roving  hero  ;  but  far  happier  than  before  am  I 
to-day  with  my  Prince.  For  the  nest  which  we 


205 

have  built  here,  like  hawks,  upon  the  rock,  appears 
good  work  for  thee  and  for  another;  and  when 
elevated  with  mead,  I  will  glory  in  the  work, 
the  good  stone-work,  the  deep  trenches,  and  thu 
working  hands  of  the  men.  I  have  practised 
many  kinds  of  man's  work,  and  I  have  more 
often  destroyed  than  built;  but  I  consider  that  the 
best  work,  next  to  a  spring  in  battle,  is  the  axe 
which  creates  a  home  on  ground  which  has  no 
master.  Rest,  my  King,  on  thy  bridal  couch  : 
for  the  first  time  since  thou  wast  a  boy,  thou 
sleepest  as  Master  of  thine  own  soil,  and  layest 
thine  arm  round  the  neck  of  a  wife.  Rest  with- 
out care,  for  thy  boys  will  respectfully  watch 
in  a  circle  round  the  green  bridal  chamber  of 
their  lord.  Blest  was  the  day;  blest  be  the  night; 
and  may  the  entrance  into  the  house,  be  a 
presage  of  welfare  for  your  lives  1" 


2G6 


AT  THE  SPRING. 

ONCE  had  the  summer  covered  the  oaks  at 
Idisburg  in  their  green  attire,  and  once  had 
the  winter  swept  the  branches  bare;  but  bright 
blazed  through  the  whole  year  the  hearth-fire  ot 
the  new  house  under  the  trees.  Now  it  was 
again  summer,  and  a  prosperous  time ;  the  little 
light  clouds  passed  over  the  sky  in  long  rows, 
and  at  the  foot  of  the  verdant  hills  the  sheep  and 
cattle  passed  also  slowly  in  long  rows.  Amongst 
the  oaks  there  rose  now  a  strong  wooden  building, 
— the  Prince's  hall.  He  who  ascended  the  steps, 
entering  through  the  door  into  the  wide  hall,  saw 
at  the  far  end  the  holy  hearth,  over  him  the  strong 
raftered  roof,  on  the  side  the  raised  gallery,  and 
behind,  the  entrance  to  the  chambers  of  the  lord 
and  lady  of  the  house.  In  the  courtyard  in  front  of 
it  stood  the  low  sleeping  houses  of  the  men  under  a 
projecting  bulwark,  also  the  stalls  and  store-rooms. 


INGO.  207 

Under  the  oak-tree  which  bore  the  arbour 
house  sat  Irmgard,  looking  happily  down  before 
her,  for  on  the  ground  lay  her  little  son  in  the 
linden  shield  of  his  father,  and  Frida  was 
rucking  him.  The  little  one  was  putting  out  his 
hands  to  catch  a  bee  which  was  buzzing  about 
him.  "  Get  away  with  you,  honey-bearer,"  said 
Irmgard,  frightened,  "  and  do  the  little  hero  no 
harm ;  he  does  not  yet  know  that  thou  concealest 
a  weapon  under  thy  coat.  Fly  to  thy  playmates, 
and  be  industrious  in  preparing  the  sweet  honey- 
comb, in  order  that  my  hero  may  have  pleasure 
in  thy  work  in  the  winter.  For  he  is  the  young 
lord  of  the  Castle,  and  we  keep  for  him  the  tenth 
of  everything  good  that  is  produced  in  the  wild 
forests.-  Look,  Frida,  how  he  clenches  his  fist, 
and  how  wildly  he  looks  before  him ;  he  will 
some  time  be  a  warrior  whom  men  will  fear. 
There!  his  father  brings  him  also  his  hunting 
spoil,"  she  exclaimed  joyfully,  raising  the  little 
one  out  of  the  shield,  and  holding  him  up  on  high, 
as  Ingo  approached,  with  his  curved  horn  and 
hunting  spear,  and  a  slain  roebuck  on  his  shoulder. 
The  Chieftain  bent  over  his  son,  and  stroked  the 
curly  hair  of  his  wife  as  he  greeted  her ;  then  he 
laid  the  game  down  against  the  tree.  "This 
speedy  foot  crossed  my  path  as  I  walked  over 


268  INOO. 

the  mountain  across  the  Burgundian  boundary;  it 
is  near  enough,  and  one  can  reach  it  without  much 
galloping,"  he  added,  laughing.  "One  of  the 
Marvingians  had  robbed  us  of  two  cattle  out  of 
the  forest  enclosure  ;  we  followed  the  track,  which 
led  us  over  the  boundary,  and  our  messengers  go 
south  to  demand  the  booty.  Yet  I  fear  it  is  in 
vain ;  for  the  border  people  over  there  are  ill- 
disposed,  and  we  may  not  be  able  to  obtain  our 
property,  except  by  going  on  their  ground  and 
falling  on  their  herds.  Bad  hero-work  is  such 
night- wandering,  like  a  cat  that  goes  out  mousing ; 
yet  the  injured  peasants  demand  it,  and  the  C'lii. •!- 
tain  dare  not  refuse." 

"  Therefore  thy  country  cousins  greet  thee, 
smiling,  and  thy  wife  also  rejoices  m  the  hdinmr 
that  they  show  her,"  said  Irmgard,  consolingly. 

"  I  have  a  good  wife,  who  is  glad  for  my  sake," 
replied  Ingo ;  "  yet  I  fear  that  she  seldom  hears 
a  minstrel  extolling  the  deeds  of  her  husband. 
Last  night  I  dreamt  that  the  weapons  over  our 
bed  clattered,  and  when  I  rose  up  I  saw  that  my 
sword  danced  in  its  sheath.  Dost  thou  know 
what  the  dream  portends,  thou  soothsayer  ? " 

"That  my  King  longs  for  an  expedition," 
replied  Irmgard,  earnestly,  "  away  from  the 
mother  and  child.  Thy  dwelling  is  narrow,  and 


INGO.  269 

thy  abode  concealed  in  the  forest.  Well  do  I 
see  sometimes  the  clouds  on  thy  brow,  and  hear 
battle-words  from  the  lips  of  the  sleeper,  when  I 
bend  over  thee." 

"  That  is  after  the  manner  of  men,  as  thou 
knowest,"  replied  Ingo- — "  at  home,  when  on  the 
bed,  to  long  for  a  fighting  expedition,  and  after 
the  fight,  for  the  return  home  to  the  arms  of  one's 

O         ' 

wife.  It  is  very  possible  that  the  song  of  my 
sword  predicts  a  combat  with  the  Burgundians, 
for  their  dealings  are  very  vexatious,  and  Gundo- 
mar's  feeling  cools  towards  us.  Look  there — the 
old  man  also  is  turned  into  a  workman."  He 
pointed  to  Berthar,  who  was  crossing  the  court 
with  an  axe  and  a  large  leathern  pocket. 

"There  is  an  injury  to  be  repaired  in  the 
drawbridge,"  explained  the  hero,  as  he  ap- 
proached them  with  a  greeting,  "  and  hands  are 
few.  -Thy  boys,  O  King,  are  joyfully  preparing, 
with  the  country-folk,  piles  of  wood  for  the  moun- 
tain fires  for  the  midsummer  night-feast." 

"  But  thou  watchest  for  us  all,"  said  Irmgard. 

"  Caution  becomes  the  watcher  who  guards  a 
treasure,"  replied  Berthar,  bowing  to  Irmgard; 
"  and,"  he  continued  significantly,  "  the  gable 
roof  of  this  hall  projects  towards  the  north,  and 
a  bad  storm  is  collecting  in  the  mountains.  I 


270  INOO. 

often  look  northwards,  even  on  a  warm  sunny 
day  like  this.  Forgive  me,  Princess,  if  I  awaken 
secret .  cares.  So  long  as  my  old  companion 
IsanbaH  breathed,  he  with  kind  feeling  restrained 
the  thoughts  of  revenge  on  the  other  side  of  the 
mountain  ;  for  Herr  Answald  paid  attention  to 
his  words.  But  since  they  have  raised  the  mound 
over  him,  thy  enemies  alone  have  the  ear  of  the 
Chieftain.  Tis  not  the  clamour  of  the  people  that 
I  fear  now,  but  a  secret  expedition  for  revenge  over 
the  forest.  Unwillingly  do  I  see  the  Princess 
wandering  alone  in  the  valley." 

"  Must  I  live  as  a  prisoner,  father  ? "  asked 
Irmgard,  sorrowfully. 

"  Only  for  the  present  time  be  pleased  to  sub- 
mit to  our  care.  Many  wounds  heal,  and  that 
of  Theodulf  is  healed;  and  he  rides,  they  say,  now 
this  way  to  the  court  of  the  King." 

There  was  a  sound  of  loud  talk  from  the 
bulwark  ;  the  watchman  on  the  wooden  stage 
blew  his  horn,  and  a  gay  tone  was  joined  to  the 
call  which  did  not  belong  to  it.  Irmgard  lainjlir-l. 
"  It  is  a  friend,"  said  Ingo;  "  the  watchman  wishes 
to  do  him  honour." 

"  Volkmar ! "  cried  out  Irmgard,  and  advanced 
to  meet  the  minstrel,  who  entered  the  court  in 
great  haste.  But  she  stopped  nhm  she  beheld 


INGO.  271 

the  solemn  face  of  the  wanderer.  "  Thou  comest 
from  home,  yet  I  perceive  that  thou  dost  not 
bring  a  friendly  greeting." 

"  I  come  from  the  King's  Castle,"  began  Volk- 
mar,  his  countenance  stirred  with  emotion,  as  he 
bent  himself  before  the  Princess  and  the  Chief- 
tain ;  my  rest  was  only  short  in  the  forest  arbour. 
Herr  Answald  was  preparing  to  ride  to  the 
King's  Castle,  and  the  Princess  was  sitting  among 
her  maidens ;  all  was  still  in  the  house ;  no  one 
asked  whither  I  was  going."  Irmgard  turned  her 
face  away,  but  in  the  next  moment  she  clasped 
the  hand  of  her  husband,  and  looked  up  to  him 
lovingly. 

"  Thou  comest  as  a  messenger  of  the  King," 
began  Ingo;  "I  trust  he  gave  thee  a  kind 
mission." 

"  The  lips  of  the  King  are  mute,"  replied 
Volkmar ;  "  his  anxieties  for  his  throne  and 
treasure  are  ended :  he  was  found  dead  on  his 
bed,  after  an  evening  of  merry  carousal  among  his 
men.  The  wood-pile  was  erected  for  him,  and 
the  fire  flamed  about  his  dead  body."  A  deep 
silence  followed  his  words. 

"  He  was  a  powerful  ruler,  and  a  courageous 
warrior;  I  could  have  wished  him  a  better  end 
than  among  his  drunken  body-guard,"  begau 


272  INGO. 

Ingo,  deeply  affected.  "However  he  may  have 
acted  towards  others,  from  peevish  suspicion  lie- 
helped  to  my  happiness,  and  for  a  whole  year  ho 
liji^  restrained  the  pressure  of  my  enemies." 

"  The  Queen  now  keeps  the  keys  of  tho  trea- 
sure-room for  her  son,"  continued  the  min- 
strel ;  "  she  rules  powerfully  in  the  King's  Castle, 
and  sends  her  men  into  the  country.  The  nobles 
vie  with  each  other  to  gain  favour  at  her  court ; 
hardly  any  one  ventures  to  defy  her  authority. 
Many  already  think  that  the  fist  of  the  dead 
King  was  less  oppressive  than  the  white  fin^rr 
of  Frau  Gisela.  This  I  announce  to  thee,  Prince, 
sent  by  no  one;  do  thou  consider  whether  it 
signifies  evil  to  thee." 

"Thou  tellest  what  is  sorrowful  and  joyful 
with  the  same  seriousness,"  answered  Ingo, 
smiling.  "If  the  King  did  me  no  injury,  I 
know  the  Queen  to  be  kind  ami  n<>Mc-niiii<lr.|. 
Now  for  the  first  time  I  can  boast  of  my  happi- 
ness with  a  light  spirit,  so  far  as  depends  on  the 
will  of  the  neighbours." 

"  Uncertain  is  the  favour  of  a  ruling  woman," 
said  the  minstrel. 

"I  was  a  faithful  boundary-guardian  to  the 
departed  King:  why  should  I  be  less  so  to  his 
son?  and  so  long  as  Frau  Gisela  commands  in 


INGO.  273 

Thuringia,  I  expect  good  from   thence.     Thou 
didst  speak  to  the  Queen  ? " 

"  Hostile  were  the  looks  the  Queen  directed  to 
me,  when  she  saw  me  in  the  crowd.  '  If  thou 
ever  thinkest  again  to  play  thy  dances  to  the 
maidens  at  my  court,'  she  called  out  to  me, '  avoid 
the  forest  road.  When  the  magpie  flies  over  the 
forest,  the  hawk  plucks  its  feathers.  Thou  wast 
a  very  prattling  messenger  once ;  be  careful  with 
thy  tongue.'  She  then  signed  to  me  to  depart, 
and  I  hastened  flying  through  the  forest  here, 
impelled  by  anxiety  about  thee  and  the  Princess." 

"Even  though  thy  anxiety  may  be  unneces- 
sary, yet  I  thank  thee  for  thy  faith  fulness.  Some 
calumniator  has  made  the  Queen  hostile  to  thee. 
How  she  is  disposed  towards  me  I  have  expe- 
rienced in  hours  of  difficulty :  assured  is  our 
friendship ;  and  our  blood  flows  from  the  same 
source.  For  the  high  ancestors  of  both  rule  in 
the  Hall  of  the  Gods  as  two  children  of  one  family: 
we  live  amongst  strangers  on  both  sides  of  the 
mountain — I  the  man,  and  she  the  woman." 

"But  not  thy  wife,  my  lord,"  interposed 
Berthar. 

Ingo  laughed.  "  Nevertheless  she  is  a  woman, 
and  it  would  ill  befit  us  men  to  fear  the  caprices 
of  a  woman." 

18 


274  INGO. 

"  Still  worse  to  trust  their  friendship,"  said  the 
old  man,  warningly.  "  \Vlu-n  the  she-bear  was 
little,  she  licked  the  hand  of  the  man  whom  she 
afterwards  seized  by  the  neck." 

"  Thou  art  much  too  stubborn  in  thy  distrust," 
said  Ingo,  in  a  tone  of  kind  reproof;  "but  I  will 
exercise  the  prudence  which  thou  advisest.  Wu 
will  ride  ourselves  into  the  villages,  and  invite 
the  old  men  to  counsel,  whether  we  shall  send  a 
message  to  the  new  Queen,  and  use  foresight  in 
preparations.  If  the  work  should  prove  u 
we  will  afterwards  laugh  at  our  anxieties.  Do 
thou,  Volkinar,  remain  as  guest  with  us  till  thou 
knowest  that  Frau  Gisela  is  again  gracious  to 
thee ;  thou  knowest  well  what  a  pleasure  to  us 
is  thy  presence." 

"  Forgive  me,  my  lord,"  answered  the  minstrel, 
seriously,  "if  I  do  not  stop  my  journey  ;  quicker 
than  the  spring  of  the  deer  or  the  flight  of  the 
falcon  is  the  anger  of  this  woman.  She  has  quite 
forgotten  that  bhe  praised  me,  as  bearer  of  IK  \\s, 
before  the  dead  King.  If  thou  thinkest  to  be 
safe  from  her,  for  me  there  is  no  hope." 

"  Who  can  stop  the  foot  of  the  wander-loving 
minstrel  ?  If  thou  must  depart,  yet  be  pleased 
to  rest  thee  awhile  by  the  hearth  of  the  Princes:*, 
and  return  again  soon  to  our  oaks." 


INOO.  27") 

"  I  shall  seek  again  the  spot  where  the  oaks 
stand,"  replied  the  minstrel,  bending  over  the 
offered  hand  of  the  Chieftain. 

Ingo  went  with  Berthar  to  the  horses.  Irmgard 
looked  after  him.  "  Thou  knowest  many  secrets, 
Volkmar,"  she  said,  in  a  low  tone,  "  but  thou  canst 
not  interpret  to  the  anxious  wife  all  the  thoughts 
which  pass  through  the  head  of  her  husband." 

"Thoughts  whirl  in  the  head  as  swallows 
round  the  roof  of  the  house — they  fly  in  and  out," 
said  the  minstrel,  consolingly ;  "  but  thou  art 
like  the  hearth-fire  in  the  house,  which  gives 
peace  and  gladness ;  do  not  let  thyself  be  anxious 
about  flitting  shadows.  But  I  approach  thee, 
also,  Princess,  as  a  secret  messenger.  As  I  was 
departing  from  the  forest  arbour,  Frau  Gundrun 
went  with  me  to  the  enclosure  where  she  keeps 
her  poultry.  She  pointed  to  a  female  stork,  and 
said,  '  The  bird  flew  away  from  the  courtyard  in 
the  summer,  but  before  the  winter  it  came  back, 
bringing  its  young  one  with  it;  now  we  feed 
them  both.  One  whom  thou  knowest  disap- 
peared from  here,  because  she  laid  hold  of  the 
flag-feather  of  a  wandering  swan ;  take  her  now 
another  token  for  a  journey.' "  The  minstrel 
presented  to  her  the  token — the  wing-feather  of  a 
stork  and  the  quill-feather  of  a  young  bird, 


i\oo. 

joined  together  by  a  thread.  Irmgard  held  in 
her  hand  her  mother's  greeting,  and  her  tears  fell 
upon  it.  "  Frau  Adebar,  the  female  stork,  flew 
back  to  the  courtyard,  because  a  bird-of-prey 
had  clawed  in  pieces  the  Host  of  her  nest.  But 
my  heart  bids  me  withstand  the  wild  falcon, 
which  spreads  its  wings  against  my  lord.  Come, 
Volkmar,  that  I  may  show  thee  my  poor  stork- 
child,  which  clenches  its  little  hands,  crowing, 
when  his  father  bends  his  face  over  it." 

In  the  afternoon  all  was  quiet  at  the  circular 
fortress.  The  minstrel  had  departed ;  Ingo  hast- 
ened through  the  valley  with  his  house-comrades, 
and  Frau  Irmgard  stood  by  the  spring  which 
trickled  out  from  under  the  rock,  not  far  from 
the  house.  There  the  men  had  chiselled  out  for 
the  Princess  a  beautiful  stone  trough,  in  which 
the  water  was  collected.  The  sun  shone  warm, 
the  cool  water  plashed  merrily,  and  flowed  from 
the  stone  trough  down  the  valley ;  over  the  wall 
of  rock  hung  from  above  the  branches  of  an  ash 
tree  as  a  protecting  roof,  and  round  the  spring 
stood  willows,  concealing  the  place  from  the  eyes 
of  strangers  by  their  grey  foliage. 

Irmgard  held  her  little  son  over  the  holy 
spring.  "Dear  Queen  of  the  running  water!"  she 
prayed,  "  be  gracious  to  my  child,  that  his  limbs 


INGO.  277 

may  become  strong,  and  his  body  well  formed, 
like  that  of  rny  lord." '  She  bathed  the  boy,  who 
cried  impatiently,  and  kicked  his  legs  about ;  she 
rubbed  his  little  body  with  a  linen  cloth,  wrapped 
him  up  warmly,  laid  him  on  the  moss,  and  spoke 
to  him  caressingly,  till  his  cries  ended,  and  he  again 
smiled  on  his  mother.  Then  she  rose,  and  took 
off  her  upper  dress,  so  that  she  stood,  without 
her  girdle,  in  her  under  dress;  she  rinsed  the 
border  of  her  wet  dress  in  the  water,  and  spread 
it  out  where  the  rays  of  the  sun  fell  on  the  turf. 
"  Once  I  had  maid-servants,  who  tucked  up  their 
dresses  for  my  service,  and  seldom  did  my  hands 
touch  either  hearth  or  trough ;  now  I  dwell  with 
Frida  and  the  serving-maid  alone  in  the  wilder- 
ness, and  my  hands  have  become  rough ;  I  fear 
that  this  will  vex  my  lord.  If  my  hands  were 
soft,  as  they  once  were,  he  would  lose  man}'-  com- 
forts. How  could  he  live  without  my  help  on 
the  wild  march  ? "  She  looked  at  her  image, 
which  moved  hither  and  thither  in  the  rippling 
water,  and  loosened  the  bands  of  her  hair.  The 
long  curly  locks  fell  down,  dipping  their  ends  in 
the  water,  but  she  fixed  her  eyes  on  the  ripples, 
and  said  in  a  low  voice,  "  It  was  thus  I  pleased  him 
once;  I  should  like  to  know  whether  he  still 
thinks  of  me  as  when  he  kissed  me  in  the  morn- 


278  INGO. 

ing  light  ?  Or  has  my  secret  grief  at  the  anger  of 
my  father  and  the  sorrow  of  my  mother  changed 
me  ?  I  conceal  my  sighs  from  the  King,  and  clasp 
my  hands  only  in  solitude.  But  this  solitary 
repose  vexes  his  proud  spirit,  and  lie  longs  to  go 
forth  to  glorious  hero-work;  for  exalted  is  his 
mind,  and  he  has  all  his  life  long  been  accustomed 
to  prepare  the  battle-field  for  the  eagles.  Now 
he  hides  his  head  under  the  wooden  roof  for  my 
sake." 

She  bowed  her  head  down  over  the  stone  edge 
with  heavy  thoughts.  The  tower  watchman 
called  out,  and  there  was  a  sound  of  footsteps  on 
-  the  rock,  without  her  giving  attention  to  it;  then 
a  horse  snorted  near  her,  and  a  deep  woman's 
voice  exclaimed,  "  Why  does  the  woman  cower 
<  li  >\vn  by  the  edge  of  the  spring  ?  is  she  so  desirous 
to  behold  her  own  face,  that  her  eyes  and  ears  are 
closed  ? " 

Jnngard  started  up;  before  her,  high  upon 
her  horse,  sat  a  powerful  woman;  a  veil  hung 
down  from  her  yellow  hair ;  over  her  shoulders 
fell  a  purple  mantle,  covering  the  back  of  the 
horse,  the  equipments  of  which  glittered  with 
gold ;  its  hoofs  stamped  on  the  linen  dress  that 
Irmgard  had  spread  out.  Behind  the  stranger 
j-hc  saw  the  pale  face  of  Sintram.  The  blood 


INGO.  279 

mounted  into  her  face ;  she  knew  who  the 
stranger  was,  before  whom  she  stood  without  a 
girdle,  with  bare  legs.  But  her  eyes  flamed  with 
anger,  as  also  those  of  the  Queen.  Thus  did  the 
women  silently  examine  each  other  with  hostile 
looks ;  then  Irmgard  drew  her  hair  like  a  veil 
over  her  breast,  and  seated  herself  on  the  moss 
by  the  fountain,  that  she  might  conceal  her  bare 
legs.  She  took  her  child  upon  her  lap,  and  held  it 
before  her.  "  Is  the  woman  dumb  that  squats 
down  on  the  ground  ?  "  cried  the  Queen  back  to 
her  follower. 

"  It  is  Frau  Irmgard  herself,  Princess,"  an- 
swered Sintram.  "  The  Queen  calls  thee,  Cousin 
Irmgard." 

Irmgard  remained  sitting  immovable,  but  she 
called  out  in  a  tone  of  command,  "  Turn  thy 
face  away,  Sintram ;  it  does  not  become  thee  to 
direct  thine  eyes  to  me,  whilst  the  horse  of  thy 
Queen  stamps  upon  my  dress." 

"  Hast  thou  learnt  so  well  what  becomes  a 
woman,  in  the  house  of  thy  father,  from  which 
thou  hast  escaped  as  the  mistress  of  a  foreign 
man  ? " 

"  Untruly  dost  thou  slander  me,  though  thou 
art  a  Queen,"  returted  Imrgard,  angrily ;  "  I  live 
faithfully  with  my  affianced  husband.  See  to  ity 


2»0  moo. 

envious  one,  whether  thou  canst  boast  of  a  like 
honour." 

The  Queen  raised  her  arm  threateningly ;  then 
there  was  a  sound  of  voices  on  the  height. 

"  Hither,  Ingo,"  cried  Iruigard,  beside  herself; 
"help  thy  wife!" 

Ingo  sprang  down  the  steep  footpath  to  her 
Bide ;  he  was  astonished  at  seeing  his  wife  seated 
on  the  ground,  and  before  her,  on  a  horse,  the 
'  angry  Queen,  with  her  attendant  He  stepped 
past  his  wife,  and  bent  his  head  and  knee  in 
homage  before  Frau  Gisela.  "Welcome  to  the 
great  Queen  of  Thuringia!"  he  exclaimed,  joy- 
fully ;  "  respectfully  do  I  greet  thy  noble  head ; 
grant  thy  favour  to  the  house  of  thy  true  cousin." 

The  countenance  of  the  Queen  changed,  when 
she  saw  the  Hero  so  glad  and  respectful  in  his 
demeanour  to  her,  and  she  said  kindly,  "Wel- 
come to  thee  also,  my  cousin." 

"  Does  no  one,  according  to  Court  customs,  help 
the  Queen  from  her  horse  ? "  exclaimed  Ingo, 
offering  the  Queen  his  foot  and  arm,  that  she 
might  vault  down.  Frau  Gisela  laid  hold  of  his 
curly  hair  with  her  hand,  to  hold  by  it,  and  1>  t 
herself  down  at  his  feet.  "Pardon,  Con.- in 
Gisela,"  continued  Ingo,  as  the  Queen  st 
before  him  on  the  ground,  "it  is  unfitting  that 


INGO.  281 

my  wife  should  sit  without  clothing  before  the 
eyes  of  the  Queen  and  of  a  stranger ;  graciously 
lend  her  thy  mantle,  that  she  may  go  away  in  a 
befitting  manner."  Quickly  he  caught  hold  of  her 
mantle  where  the  clasp  held  it  fast,  and  drew  it 
from  her  shoulders.  The  Queen  turned  pale,  and 
stepped  back,  but  Ingo  threw  the  mantle  round 
his  wife,  and  raising  her,  ordered  her  to  go,  point- 
ing out  the  path  to  her :  "  Leave  us  ! " 

Irmgard  covered  herself  and  the  boy  with  the 
ample  vesture,  and  walked  up  the  footpath.  But 
when  Ingo  turned  again  to  the  Queen,  he  saw  how- 
she  struggled  for  composure,  and  that  Sintram  had 
sprung  from  his  horse,  and  come  on  with  drawn 
sword.  But  the  Queen  made  a  sign,  and  Sintram 
drew  back  obediently. 

"  Bold  was  the  hand  which  took  the  mantle  of 
the  Queen,  but  it  becomes  a  man  to  guard  the 
honour  of  his  house  ;  thou,  Ingo,  hast  courageously 
remedied  what  we  in  zeal  did  wrong,  and  I  am 
not  angry  with  thee  for  it."  She  for  the  second 
time  made  a  sign  to  her  attendant;  Sintram  retired 
backwards  with  the  horses,  and  Ingo  and  the 
Queen  stood  alone  opposite  each  other.  "  It  has 
happened  as  I  desired,"  began  Frau  Gisela ;  "  thou 
art  before  mine  eyes,  Ingo,  as  before,  when  I 
received  thee  on  the  steps  of  the  hall;  and  as 


282  INGO. 

then,  I  approach  thee  with  good  intentions.** 
Then  she  continued  more  earnestly,  "  Thou  hast 
enemies  in  my  country,  who  have  evil  intentions 
towards  thee,  and  loud  sounds  the  cry  of  revenge 
at  the  King's  Castle ;  my  countrymen,  also,  the 
Burgundians,  raise,  as  I  hear,  complaints  against 
thy  plundering  people." 

"  Thou  knowest  the  custom  on  the  boundaries 
of  the  land,  0  Queen;  my  people  measure  out 
i«n  themselves  their  revenge  for  the  injuries  they 
have  suffered  from  the  foreigners.  Yet  if  a 
Thuringian  has  been  hurt  by  my  comrades,  \ve 
will  hasten  to  atone  to  the  injured  one ;  but  do 
thou,  O  Queen,  grant  the  peace  which  Ingo  and 
his  boundary  people  desire  from  thy  power." 

"  The  Hero  whom  I  once  knew  had  a  nobler 
pride  than  to  drive  the  cows  of  the  Burgun- 
dians into  his  enclosed  fortress,"  said  the  Queen, 
scoffingly. 

"  The  man1  who  roams  homeless  over  the  earth 
gladly  raises  a  roof  under  which  he  can  command 
as  Host,"  replied  Ingo. 

"  I  call  the  home  insecure,"  replied  the  Queen, 
"  out  of  which  the  mistress  of  the  house  has  been 
demanded  by  the  call  of  the  people.  The  father, 
and  the  bridegroom  whom  thou  hast  robbed  of  his 
wife,  have  called  for  a  warlike  expedition  agaiust 


INGO.  2S3 

thee ;  the  young  King  needs  the  help  of  his  nobles, 
and  cannot  refuse  to  demand  of  thee  her  whom 
thou  hast  stolen;  I  fear  destruction  approaches 
thee,  for  with  difficulty  has  the  King's  will  hither- 
to held  back  the  angry  men." 

"  What  thou  threatenest,  O  Queen,  compels  me 
to  hold  still  firmer  to  my  house;  if  war  is  approach- 
ing, it  is  welcome  to  me;  the  sword  becomes  rusty 
which  hangs  by  the  hearth." 

"  Fool ! "  cried  the  Queen,  approaching  nearer, 
<:thou  livest  in  the  forest  quite  without  mis- 
giving, whilst  on  all  sides  the  hunters  are 
drawing  together  against  thee.  Caesar  has 
begun  a  new  expedition  against  the  Alemanni, 
and  seeks  thee  to  satisfy  his  revenge ;  he  has 
offered  an  alliance  to  the  Burgundians,  and 
Gundomar  has  summoned  the  army  of  his 
people." 

"  Thou  namest  Caesar,"  exclaimed  Ingo ; 
"thanks  for  good  news,  0  Queen!  it  was  for 
that  my  sword  clinked ;  for  the  approach  of  the 
warriors  whom  I  long  day  and  night  to  meet." 
His  eyes  sparkled,  and  his  hand  passed  to 
his  weapon. 

"  Thou  speakest  well,  Hero,"  exclaimed  Gisela, 
herself  carried- away  by  his  ardour;  "it  would  be 
lost  trouble  to  try  to  frighten  thee  by  dangers. 


284  INOO. 

I  bring  thee  the  warning,  for  I  know  of  a  more 
glorious  companionship  for  thee,  than  among  the 
peasants  of  the  forest  and  boundary.  Ingo,  my 
cousin,  thou  art  the  man  to  whom,  rather  than  to 
any  other,  I  would  trust  the  young  King  and 
myself;  I  desire  a  Hero,  who  will  ride  in  front  of 
the  people's  army  in  the  battle,  and  teach  my  son 
how  to  win  fame.  To  such  dignity  have  I 
chosen  thee,  and  I  am  here  to  woo  thee  to  the 
King's  Castle." 

Ingo  stood  agitated  ;  thoughts  whirled  rapidly 
through  his  brain.  He  saw  before  him  the  beau- 
tiful woman  with  the  King's  crown,  holding  out 
her  hand  to  him,  and  offering  him  entreatingly, 
that  which  would  be  the  desire  and  happiii">s 
of  the  proudest  Hero. 

"Thou  wast  a  boy,"  continued  Frau  Gisela, 
with  deep  emotion,  "when  our  fathers  laid  my 
hand  in  thine ;  thou  becamest  a  hero  renowned 
among  the  people,  and  I  a  discontented  wife,  at 
the  King's  Castle ;  there  thou  didst  stroke  my 
hand  with  thy  finger,  smiling.  What  divided 
thee  from  the  Queen  has  sinctj  been  laid  on  the 
burning  funeral  pile.  Now  I  come  and  invite 
thee,  the  most  illustrious  of  all  the  heroes  in 
countries,  to  come  to  me.  We  both  pray  t,->  the 
same  high  God — the  grandchildren  to  tho  ;n 


INGO.  285 

tors ;  for  we  both  descend  from  the  race  of  the 
Gods,  and  high  ought  we  to  raise  our  heads  over 
all  the  people  upon  man's  earth  ;  thou  and  I 
are  dedicated  by  the  invisible  powers  them- 
selves to  be  rulers  of  people." 

When  Ingo  heard  from  the  lips  of  another  the 
same  words  which  he  had  spoken  himself,  he 
looked  bewildered  at  the  Queen,  who  thus 
decided  like  a  Goddess  upon  his  fate.  There  was 
a  noise  on  the  height  above ;  the  mantle  of  the 
Queen  fell  down  ;  and  in  the  distance  there  was 
a  sound  of  the  low  whimpering  of  a  child. 

"  This  is  the  attire  befitting  a  loved  hero,"  ex- 
claimed the  Queen,  touching  his  shoulder  with 
her  hand.  Ingo  raised  his  head. 

"  I  hear  a  soft  voice  in  my  need,"  he  said.  "  I 
hear  my  little  son  over  me  lamenting,  and,  like 
one  who  wakes  from  a  dream,  I  stand  before  the 
Queen.  I  am  bound  to  one  who  is  dearer  to  me 
than  my  life.  She  has  abandoned  everything  for 
me.  I  have  vowed  to  her,  amidst  the  circle  of  my 
blood-comrades,  that  I  will  care  for  her  as  her 
father,  and  that  I  will  share  her  bed  only  as  her 
lawful  husband.  How  can  I  leave  her  and  go  to 
the  King's  Castle  ? " 

"No  more,  Ingo!"  cried  Frau  Gifela,  with  flam- 
ing countenance;  "remember  that  thou  didst  holl 


286  INGO. 

out  thine  hand  to  me;  think  of  that  night  wli-  n  I 
held  back  the  sword  of  the  dead  King.  Thru, 
when  I  guarded  thy  life,  the  invisible  powers 
bound  my  fate  to  thine.  Thou  belongest  to  me, 
and  me  alone,  and  a  dear  price  have  I  paid  for 
thee." 

"  Thou  hast  shown  thyself  noble-hearted,  and 
a  heroine,"  replied  Ingo ;  "  and  I  shall  remain 
thankful  to  thee  as  long  as  I  breathe." 

"  Shame  upon  thy  cold  greeting ! "  called  out 
the  Queen,  beside  herself,  "  and  shame  upon  the 
Hero  who  can  express  in  courtly  words  his  grati- 
tude that  a  woman  has  burdened  herself  for  him 
with  the  curse  of  the  death-Gods.  Dost  thou 
understand  so  little  what  I  did  when  I  re- 
strained the  sword  of  mine  own  lord  and 
husband  ?  I  conjured  up  against  my  own  life, 
the  bad  powers — suspicion,  and  lurking  hatred  ; 
gall  was  ever  after  my  drink,  and  that  of  another; 
every  word  suspected,  and  restlessness  every 
night.  Whether  I  should  any  longer  breathe  in 
the  light  whilst  the  other  continued  to  think 
with  his  wild  boys,  that  was  my  anxiety — heart- 
gnawing  anxiety — day  and  night." 

"  If  thou  hast  suffered  danger  of  death  on  my 
account,"  said  Ingo,  moved,  "  then  call  me  when 
danger  threatens  thee,  and  I  will  willingly 


TNGO.  287 

pay  with  my  blood  what  I  have  to  bear  of  thy 
burden." 

The  Queen  scarcely  listened  to  his  words;  she 
stepped  close  up  to  him,  and  whispered  with  a 
hoarse  voice,  "  Art  thou  so  willing,  beloved  ?  It 
is  possible  that  the  other  would  not  have  died 
if  thou  hadst  not  stood  in  my  chamber  on  that 
night." 

The  Hero  started  back ;  his  cheeks  grew  pale, ' 
but  his  look  was  cold,  as  he  answered,  "  DuUt 
thou   think,   O   Queen,  that   thou  shouldst  be- 
come more  dear  to  my  heart,  if  upon  my  account 
thou  didst  burden  thy  life  with  a  terrible  deed  ? " 

"  Why  dost  thou  fix  thine  eyes  like  stone  upon 
me  ?  "  shrieked  out  Frau  Gisela.  She  seized  his 
arm,  and  shook  it.  "  We  two,  thou  and  I,  cannot 
live  near  one  another  on  this  man's  earth,  if  thou 
dost  not  follow  me." 

The  Hero  released  himself  angrily  from  her 
hand.  "If  thou  hast,  by  secret  night-work, 
heaped  upon  my  head  the  anger  of  the  revenging 
Gods,  I  am  ready  to  pay  the  penalty — but  free 
from  thee,  not  as  a  servant  bound  to  thy  life." 

The  Queen  looked  sharply  in  his  face;  she 
raised  her  arm  slowly,  and  clenched  her  hand 
threateningly.  "The  wands  are  thrown,  on 
which  the  Weird  Sisters  havo  marked  thy  fate 


L'.SS  IN  GO. 

and  mine.  Thou  hast  chosen,  Ingo,  and  tho 
token  that  thou  hast  found  signifies  danger" 
Shr  turned  away,  with  a  convulsive  movement; 
but  her  eyes  remained  tearless,  and  her  counte- 
nance was  stony,  as,  pointing  to  the  setting  sun, 
sin-  >ai«l,  half  aloud  :  "  To-morrow  I"  Hastily  she 
went  to  the  horses.  Ingo  flung  the  King's  mantle 
•with  his  foot  down  the  mountain,  and  sprang  up 
Jin-  path  along  which  Irmgard  had  gone,  to  his 


INGO.  289 


XI. 

THE  THUNDERSTORM. 

THROUGH  the  small  gate,  which  led  from  the 
spring  to  the  fortress,  Ingo  hastened  to  the  door. 
He  found  it  closed  and  guarded  by  his  men,  and 
from  the  tower  Berthar  called  out  to  him,  "  Look 
downwards,  my  King!  there  in  the  valley  the 
woman  is  riding  with  her  companion  to  the 
boundary.  No  one  rushes  so  hastily  along,  who 
has  not  an  anxious  mind." 

"  She  departed  in  anger,  father."  Berthar  dis- 
covered in  the  clouded  brow  of  the  Chieftain 
what  he  did  not  express.  "When  the  shepherd 
scares  away  a  male  wolf  from  the  fold,  the  animal 
does  not  return  for  three  days,  but  the  hungry 
she- wolf  ventures  on  a  new  inroad  the  follow  in  s 

O 

night.  Shepherd  of  the  Marvingians,  when  dost 
thou  expect  an  attack  upon  thy  fold  ?  " 

"  To-morrow,"  replied  Ingo. 

The  old  man  nodded.  "  We  are  not  secure  in 

19 


290  INGO. 

the  north.  Radgais  is  stationed  on  the  watch- 
tower  which  we  built  on  thy  boundary ;  he  is 
one  of  the  most  cautious,  and  I  do  not  think  tha* 
he  sleeps,  for  he  spoke  with  the  minstrel  Volk- 
mar,  and  knows  that  the  spoon  of  a  Queen  oi 
Thuringia  stirs  up  new  broth ;  yet  no  smoke 
rises  from  his  height.  The  day  is  bright  and 
the  air  clear :  I  fear,  my  lord,  that  he  does  not 
willingly  close  his  eyes." 

"  The  Queen  rode  by  the  forest  path,  to  avoid 
the  watch-tower,"  replied  Ingo.  But  at  the 
moment  that  he  looked  out,  there  rose  up,  to  the 
northwards,  against  the  golden  evening  sky,  a 
white  vapour;  higher  rose  the  pillar  of  smoke 
and  blacker. 

"  We  understand  the  warning,"  exclaimed 
Berthar;  "  the  Queen's  boys  are  racing  over  the 
boundary.  I  heartily  wish  that  the  watchman 
may  escape  them." 

"  Look  also  towards  the  south,  Berthar ;  there 
the  old  enemy  rises  against  us.  For  the  third 
time  Caesar  sues  for  our  person ;  this  time  he 
calls  upon  the  Burgundians  to  destroy  us;  and 
the  Queen  threatens  us  with  the  weapons  of 
her  brother  Gundomar." 

Again  the  old  man  looked  into  the  face  of  the 
Chieftain,  and  observed  by  its  stern  expression, 


INGO.  291 

that  he  was  thinking  of  a  hard  struggle.  Then 
he  drew  his  waist-belt  tighter,  and  said,  with  a 
wild  smile,  "The  time  is  short  to  adorn  the  Court 
for  two  Kings.  Yet  thy  boys  are  active;  we  have 
long  been  looking  for  such  an  honour ;  and  he 
who  will  uninvited  banquet  within  our  circle, 
may  himself  become  a  banquet  for  the  raven  and 
eagle.  Command,  my  King !  thy  boys  are  ready 
to  fight." 

" Light  the  danger-fires,"  ordered  Ingo;  "send 
spies  to  the  southern  border,  and  warn  the  old 
peasant  proprietors  in  the  villages,  that  they  may 
conceal  their  defenceless  people  and  herds  in 
their  forest  enclosures,  and  send  us  as  many 
armed  men  as  they  can." 

Then  Berthar  called  out,  above  the  court,  with 
a  powerful  voice,  the  war-cry  of  the  Vandals : 
"  Come  on,  ye  sons  of  the  swan,  in  armour  !  bear 
the  iron  cymbals,  and  light  the  pitch-flames ;  a 
more  glorious  dance  will  begin  for  you  to-night 
than  around  burning  logs." 

Immediately  afterwards,  a  mighty  fire  blazed 
from  the  heights,  and  armed  men  sped  down  the 
mountain  on  horseback. 

Irmgard  was  sitting  in  the  high  bridal  chamber, 
which  the  Vandals  had  constructed  for  her 
amidst  the  oak  foliage.  In  her  hand  she  held  the 


292  INGO. 

warning  token,  of  her  mother.  Her  eyes  were 
fixed  on  vacancy.  AVhen  she  heard  her  husband's 
step  below  in  the  enclosure  of  the  fortress,  she 
turned  her  eyes  towards  him,  to  see  whether  he 
would  come  to  her ;  but  he  was  speaking  with 
Berthar.  At  last  he  ascended  up  to  her,  and 
stepping  before  her,  he  began:  "The  Queen's 
mantle  flew  down  into  the  depths ;  tho  woman 
left  our  mountains  in  anger." 

"  I  lay  on  the  rock  over  the  fountain  ;  in  terror 
and  shame  I  threw  myself  down  on  the  ground. 
Then  I  heard  an  interchange  of  talk ;  I  saw  how 
my  husband  bowed  himself  to  the  foreign  woman 
arid  I  heard  how  she  demanded  her  right  to  his 
life." 

"Then  thou  didst  also  hear  that  I  opposed 
her,"  he  replied,  kindly. 

"  I  ceased  to  hear  the  words,  for  my  son  whim- 
pered, and  I  carried  him  to  his  father's  bed.  It 
is  to  be  seen  whether  he  will  find  a  step-mother.' 

"Irmgard!"  cried  out  her  husband,  frightened, 
"  of  what  art  thou  thinking  ? " 

"  Dost  thou  imagine  that  I  will  lie  in  thy  way 
like  a  stone,  separating  thy  foot  from  hero-life 
and  a  King's  throne  ?  I  heard  my  countryman 
say  that  I  was  not  wedded  to  thee  in  lawful 
marriage;  and  degrading  was  the  greeting  oil'  T<  <i 


INGO.  293 

me  by  the  Queen.  When  thou  sendest  thy  mis- 
tress home,  the  Queen  will  become  gracious  to 
thee  again,  as  she  was  before." 

"  Thou  art  vexed,  and  thy  words  cut  sharp," 
replied  Ingo;  "but  thou  must  not  dream  of 
severing  the  bond  of  union  between  us,  because 
another  thinks  of  it  with  bad  thoughts.  She 
wishes  to  separate  thee  from  thy  husband,  but 
not,  as  thou  imaginest,  in  order  to  prepare  him  a 
King's  bed;  for  she  thinks  of  another  resting- 
place  for  the  stranger  Ingo,  and  she  is  rolling, 
there  below  in  the  valley,  the  stones  to  conceal 
him  in  the  dark  chamber." 

Irmgard  rose  up  wildly,  as  if  stung  by  a 
serpent.  But  he  drew  the  unwilling  one  to  him, 
and  spoke  tenderly  to  her.  "  Wearisome  has  been 
my  journey  upon  man's  earth :  whilst  yet  a  boy, 
I  was  obliged  to  roam,  like  a  beast  of  prey, 
through  the  valleys  to  obtain  food  to  support 
my  life,  whilst  the  hunters  crept  upon  my  path. 
Many  a  time  was  I  sick  of  my  life,  when  I 
humbly  begged  for  small  bones  at  the  table  of  a 
stranger,  and  received  the  cold  look  of  a  guest- 
friend.  Yet  I  think  that  I  have  not  ingloriously 
penetrated  the  battle-ranks  of  the  enemy,  and 
have  honourably  won  for  myself,  some  day,  a 
happy  seat  in  the  halls  of  the  Heroes.  Then  the 


INOO. 

last  leap  into  the  host  of  enemies  appeared  to 
in.  the  greatest  good  fortune;  and  when  the 
battle-song  sounded,  then  I  heard  the  immortals 
call  up  their  grandchild  into  their  retinue.  Now 
first,  since  I  have  seen  thee,  and  thou  hast  become 
dear  to  me  as  my  own  life,  I  have  found  much 
pleasure  in  this  world,  and  it  has  often  appeared 
to  me  agreeable  to  sit  and  laugh  in  the  sun.^liine 
above  the  valleys,  when  the  little  kids  juin|>»-il 
about  amongst  one  another,  and  my  fight  ing- 
comrades  brought  home  the  wild  honeycomb  in 
casks.  But  the  Gods  who  have  granted  me  such 
happiness  have  also  allotted  to  me  that  it  should 
not  be  lasting,  and  should  be  sorrowful  for  thee 
who  art  dear  to  me.  By  a  daring  robbery  I  was 
obliged  to  win  thee.  Thou  art  poorer,  as  my 
wife,  than  at  home.  No  one  calls  out  'Welcome!' 
to  thee  but  my  wild  comrades  and  the  settlers, 
who  have  sworn  fealty  to  me  because  they 
had  bad  fortune  at  home.  I  have  often  been 
aware,  when  beside  the  banished  man,  thou  didst 
strive  to  conceal  thy  tears  and  sighs  for  home. 
T<»-day  I  was  warned  by  the  super-terrestrials, 
when  the  mantle  fell.  It  is  very  possible,  my 
.  that  they  will  invite  me  to  them>clvr> ; 
then  fore  I  am  anxious  now  that  the  passage  there 
should  be  glorious,  and  hurtful  to  the  enemy." 


INGO.  295 

"  Ride  away  from  the  forest  enclosure,"  ex- 
rlaimed  Irmgard,  "and  forma  new  home  in  a 
foreign  land." 

"  The  wild  beast  glides  out  of  his  den  when 
the  hounds  run,  but  not  the  Father  of  a  people." 

"Thou  didst  live  concealed  during  a  happy 
year ;  thou  didst  raise  thy  boy  in  thy  shield,  and 
thy  wife  hung  about  thy  neck.  Think  thereon, 
Ingo,  before  thou  choosest."  She  fixed  her  eyes, 
full  of  anguish,  on  his  face. 

Ingo  stepped  once  more  to  the  little  light 
aperture,  and  spied  on  all  sides  into  the  dim 
landscape.  The  heavens  shone  like  red  gold,  and 
below  in  the  valley,  the  mist  was  rising  from  the 
stream.  He  looked  upon  the  undulating  hills, 
the  dark  forests,  and  the  fruitful  plain ;  then  he 
turned  to  his  wife,  and  embraced  her.  "  When 
the  minstrel  sang  in  the  hall,  and  thou  before  all 
didst  honour  to  the  stranger,  then  I  became  dear 
to  thee,  because  I,  the  Hero,  trod  foremost  on  the 
death-path.  Has  thy  mind  changed,  Vandal 
wife?" 

"  The  anguish  that  I  feel,  to  lose  thee ! " 
answered  Irmgard,  softly,  and  concealed  her  face 
on  his  breast. 

Ingo  held  her  in  a  fast  embrace.  "  I  held  my 
head  high  as  a  homeless  one ;  gaily  did  I  enjoy 


296  INOO. 

the  happiness  of  the  day,  because  I  considered 
life  little  in  comparison  to  a  glorious  death.  I 
was  proud  of  being  true  to  every  one  to  wlmin 
I  had  vowed  myself,  and  a  terror  to  mine  enemies. 
He  who  would  humble  this  pride,  him  I  could 
kill,  or  he  would  strike  me.  But  more  proudly 
than  formerly  do  I  prepare,  this  time,  for  the 
fight.  More  powerful  is  the  pressure  of  the 
enemy's  approach  than  it  has  ever  been  before  ; 
and  thou,  beloved,  shalt  behold  with  thine  eyes 
whether  the  minstrel  has  extolled  the  Hero  with 
truth.  Prepare  thyself,  Princess,  for  the  day  of 
honour  to  thy  husband,  for  soon  wilt  thou  hear 
round  thy  bridal  chamber  the  wild  song  of  thy 
swans,  and  above  the  clouds  thou  wilt  behold  the 
heavenly  bridges  on  which  the  Heroes  rise 
upwards." 

Darker  did  the  shadows  of  the  night  become ; 
the  danger-fires  flamed,  and  cast  a  red  light,  and 
smoky  clouds  hung  over  the  court,  where  the 
men  were  equipping  themselves  for  defence. 
They  emptied  the  yard  of  waggons  and  im- 
plements, brought  spears,  and  heaped  up  stones ; 
the  maidens  also  helped, — they  brought  many 
loads  of  water  from  the  spring,  and  filled  the 
vessels  and  barrels  in  the  hall ;  messengers  of  the 
village  people  ran  into  the  court,  gigantic  men 


INOO.  297 

sprang  up  and  down,  and  the  word  of  command 
of  the  leader  sounded  in  the  enclosed  space. 

Irmgard  descended  with  Frida  from  her  high 
chamber ;  her  doubts  had  been  overcome,  and  she 
stepped  over  the  court  as  if  supported  by  the 
strength  of  a  Goddess.  Berthar  smiled  with 
satisfaction  when  she  approached  him.  He  rose 
quickly  from  the  ground,  where  he  was  hammer- 
ing at  a  great  sling,  and  greeted  her  as  a  warrior 
does  his  Chief.  "  I  am  rejoiced  to  see  the  Queen 
adorned ;  the  light  of  her  countenance  rejoices 
me,  and  also  the  gold  ornament  on  her  breast.  I 
delight  in  the  high  festival  where  the  bride  ap- 
pears in  such  rich  attire.  For  we  boys  shall 
fight  more  cheerfully  when  we  behold  the 
Princess  bending  herself  like  a  battle-maiden 
over  the  warriors.  But  do  thou  listen  to  the 
secret  advice  of  the  old  man.  Thou  wast  a 
good  mistress  to  the  wild  boys  in  peaceful  times ; 
thou  hast  cared  for  all,  and  wast  proud  towards 
all,  as  becomes  a  prudent  Hostess,  that  no  mead- 
drunken  fellow  might  venture  to  cast  on  thee  a 
bold  look,  or  make  an  unseemly  joke.  But  now, 
if  it  pleases  thee,  show  a  friendly  feeling  to  the 
men,  speak  kindly  to  each,  and  distribute  the 
provisions  bountifully,  which  thou  keepest  in 
cellar  and  barn.  For  I  have  no  fear  that  we 


208  INOO. 

shall  be  deficient  in  meat  and  drink  as  long  as 
we  fight ;  and  many  a  one  strikes  more  furiously 
and  throws  his  weapon  more  strongly  when  he 
has  been  treated  among  his  comrades  with  mead, 
and  superior  delicacies.  Hitherto  we  have  had 
only  to  lurk  after  the  Burguudian  robbers  ;  this 
time  we  shall  have  work  which  will  be  related 
to  future  generations." 

Iringard  held  out  her  hand,  which  the  old 
man  clasped  respectfully.  "For  me  everything 
has  come  as  I  have  always  wished  it,"  he  con- 
tinued— "  a  short  field,  and  a  hot  fight,  and  I  by 
the  side  of  my  master.  Only  the  troop  is  too 
small  that  rides  with  him  over  the  field  of  battle; 
that  makes  me  anxious;  for  the  God  of  war 
prefers  counting  shocks  of  mown-down  men 
rather  than  single  blades." 

"Come  on,  Wolf!"  cried  Berthar  to  the  young 
Thuringian  ;  "  thou  hast  a  good  way  in  converse 
with  the  women,  and  they  boast  of  thee  as  a 
dancer.  Therefore  thou  shalt  watch  as  guardian 
over  the  women.  Thou  shalt  be  their  leader 
when  they  roll  down  stones  from  the  rock, 
and  when  they  swing  their  buckets  against 
fire-arrows  on  the  gable  roof.  Lift  the  skin-  <•(' 
cattle  and  deer  which  we  have  collected  out  of 
the  ditch,  and  spread  the  steeped  leather  over 


INGO.  299 

the  wooden  roof;  for  the  wet  hides  serve  us  as  the 
best  protection,  next  to  the  foliage  of  the  trees, 
against  fire-throws." 

•  "I   had   thought  to   stand  near  my  master," 
replied  Wolf,  discontentedly. 

"No  one  will  prevent  thee  from  making  thy 
spring  at  the  right  time,"  said  the  old  man,  con- 
solingly, "  but  thy  work  is  more  glorious  than 
thou  irnaginest,  for  I  observe  that  those  out  there 
also  will  fight  in  women's  way,  whether  the  pap 
shall  be  burnt  by  one  or  the  other." 

"  Thou  thinkest,  father,  it  will  be  a  hot  day  for 
many  of  us." 

"  For  many  of  them,  it  becomes  us  to  say," 
replied  Berthar.  "Only  take  care  and  be  smartly 
dressed,  to  please  the  Weird  Sisters." 

"  I  am  not  thinking  of  myself,"  answered  Wolf, 
looking  over  his  shoulder  back  towards  the 
house. 

"  Never  look  backwards,  is  the  law  of  fighting 
men ;  all  that  is  behind  thee  may  take  care  of 
itself;  thou  must  see  only  those  who  are  before 
thee." 

As  Wolf  was  drawing  the  bundle  of  wet  hides 
by  a  rope  dp  the  roof,  Frida  placed  herself  before 
him,  and  began,  mockingly,  "Thou  art  chosen, 
for  glorious  service;  the  carpets  smell  badly  which 


300  IN'OO. 

thou  spreadcst  over  us.  If  thou  art  the  chain  IMT- 
lain  to  protect  us  women,  the  enemy  will  remain 
ten  steps  from  us,  and  raise  their  noses  upwards 
with  horror." 

"  If  I  were  the  Chieftain,"  replied  Wolf,  angrily, 
"  I  would  place  thee  over  the  door,  before  all  the 
armies,  in  order  that  thou  mightest  wound  the 
heart  of  the  enemy.  Help  me  to  raise  the  ladder 
inside  the  hall  to  the  aperture  in  the  roof,  and 
hold  the  rope  that  I  may  loosen  the  skins  above." 

Frida  willingly  followed  his  orders,  and  when 
he  had  spread  all  and  come  down  from  the  top, 
he  found  himself  with  her  in  the  empty  room, 
and  gave  her  quickly  a  kiss.  Frida  did  not 
resist,  but  suddenly  took  off  a  ribbon,  and 
said,  "  Hold  thine  arm,  Wolf,  that  I  may  bind 
thee.  If  we  see  another  evening,  to-morrow  I 
will  belong  to  thee  as  thy  wife ;  often  have  I 
been  cross  with  thee;  to-day  I  tell  thee  that  thou 
art  dear  to  me,  and  no  other."  She  bound  his 
arm ;  but  he  exclaimed,  "  I  will  extol  the  anger 
of  the  Queen,  which  has  taken  the  thorn  from 
the  thistle."  She  kissed  him  heartily,  then  tore 
herself  away,  and  rushed  to  the  maidens. 

The  clouds  were  driving  again  under  the  cres- 
cent moon;  wild  figures,  men's  bodies,  and  horses' 
limbs  were  now  encircled  with  yellow  light,  and 


INOO.  301 

now  coal-black  in  the  grey  twilight.  The  mist 
rolled  out  from  the  Idisbach,  and  rose  upwards 
against  the  circular  rampart  and  the  fortress. 
The  cries  of  animals  and  the  voices  of  men 
sounded  about  the  fortress  gate;  the  village  people 
led  the  horses  and  cattle,  and  the  brown  woolly 
sheep  along  the  paths  from  below;  the  men 
walked  with  linden  shields,  and  drove  the  herds 
in  haste  with  their  spears ;  the  women  and  chil- 
dren hastened,  with  their  hftusehold  furniture 
heaped  up.  Sorrowful  was  the  journey  up  to 
the  height  to  them ;  for  he  who  looked  back- 
wards was  fearful  whether  he  should  ever  return 
alive  to  the  house  which  he  had  just  built,  or 
whether  the  house  itself  would  not  burst  into 
flames.  The  fugitives  thronged  up  to  the  closed 
gate  of  the  lower  rampart,  and  the  Vandals,  who 
guarded  the  entrance  there,  had  to  cry  out  and 
direct  them,  that  they  might  not  in  the  darkness 
miss  the  path  that  led  to  the  gate.  On  the  sum- 
mit the  fortress  was  filled  with  men  and  herds ; 
the  cattle  bellowed,  the  horses  galloped  wildly 
about,  and  the  women  squeezed  themselves  with 
their  bundles  against  the  wooden  rampart.  But 
Berthar  desired  the  men  to  place  the  domestic 
animals  in  rows, — to  enclose  the  sheep  in  a  pen. 
In  the  middle  of  the  space  a  fire  was  flaming; 


there  the  pots  steamed  for  the  hungry,  and  the 
cellarer  tapped  the  beer  for  the  thirsty,  which 
they  abundantly  desired.  Berthar  went  from 
one  man  to  another,  greeted  them  with  dignity, 
as  in  peaceful  times,  asked  their  opinions,  and 
thus  sensibly  scrutinized  their  number  and  their 
dispositions.  "  Why  do  the  neighbours  delay 
from  the  other  bank  of  the  stream  ?  where  are 
the  strong  armed  peasants  from  Ahornwald  and 
Finkenquell  ?  "  he  cried  out  to  the  Thuringian 
Baldhard.  "  Has  the  white  fog  blinded  the  senses 
of  the  Marvingians,  that  they  have  not  heard  the 
cry  of  the  watchman,  nor  seen  the  light  of  the 
fire?" 

"Slowly  do  they  bestir  themselves,"  replied 
Baldhard,  troubled.  "  I  saw  herds  and  carts  drive 
to  their  holy  places  in  the  forest ;  they  will  not  be 
in  haste  to  leave  their  horses  and  children.  Yet 
haste  would  be  advisable  for  them,  for  in  the  last 
twilight  a  host  was  advancing;  alongside  the 
stream  shields  and  iron  helmets  shone.  And  I 
suspect  they  are  the  wild  boys  of  the  Queen,  who 
are  seeking  a  night's  quarters  in  the  houses  on 
the  other  side." 

On  the  path  from  below  a  horseman  galloped 
wildly,  his  horse  covered  with  foain,  anJ  in  going 
through  the  gate  he  nodded  to  the  old  man. 


INGO.  303 

"  Radgais  !  "  called  out  the  latter,  hastening  after 
him  to  the  hall  where  Ingo,  with  the  elders  of 
the  villages,  was  receiving  intelligence  from  the 
warriors.  The  messenger  sprang  down  greet- 
ing. "  The  King's  boys  press  on  in  glittering 
troops,  across  our  boundary;  it  is  their  whole 
swarm,  and  besides  them  Theodulfs  men.  With 
difficulty  did  I  escape  over  the  mountain.  But 
they  keep  behind  the  trees  in  the  valley,  for 
there  are  hardly  more  than  a  hundred  shields." 

"  Didst  thou  see  the  Queen  ?  " 

"  Besides  Theodulf,  only  the  old  robber  Hadu- 
bald." 

"If  Frau  Gisela  can  put  no  larger  troop  in 
the  saddle,"  said  Berthar,  contemptuously,  "  few  of 
her  trusty  men  will  see  again  the  home  drinking- 
cup." 

"There  comes  one  from  the  Main,  who  an- 
nounces other  guests,"  replied  Ingo.  Walbrand, 
the  Vandal,  rushed  in. 

"  As  I  came,  my  King,  through  the  pine-wood 
towards  the  south,  in  order  to  spy  over  the 
boundary,  I  heard  on  the  path  the  clattering  of 
shields.  I  concealed  my  horse,  and  turned  on 
foot  through  the  thicket;  they  came  in  a  long 
train — an  army  of  Burgumlians  separated  into 
three  troops,  infantry  and  horsemen.  A  foreign 


304  ixoo. 

fellow  rode  beside  the  leader ;  it  was  a  Roman  of 
the  body-guard  of  Csesar,  whom  they  called 
Protector.  I  recognized  the  helmet  arid  the 
armour,  and  heard  his  laugh,  and  Roman  words. 
( 'nivlrssly  they  waded  on  through  the  sand,  with- 
out vanguard  or  scouts,  quite  secure  of  victory. 
AYith  a  few  followers  I  could  have  excited  terror 
among  them.  Out  of  the  thicket  I  screeched 
at  them  as  the  night  raven  screeches;  then 
they  stopped  alarmed,  and  looked  through  tlm 
trees  up  towards  the  clouds.  But  I  from  behind 
the  stems  threw  my  weapon  at  the  Roman ;  the 
hero  fell  on  the  sand  groaning,  but  they  screamed 
out  aloud,  and  I  sprang  into  the  darkness.  I  hope 
it  will  be  an  evil  omen  to  them." 

M  We  extol  the  anxiety  of  the  Queen,"  said 
Ingo,  "that  she  has  called  out  a  foreign  host  in 
armour  against  my  men.  Did  she  trust  the 
good-will  of  the  Thuringians  so  little  that  she 
invited  her  own  native  people  to  the  sword- 
dance  ?  Where  didst  thou  scare  her  heroes  by 
the  song  of  the  bird  ?  " 

"Half  way  between  here  and  the  Main," 
answered  Walbrand.  "  I  saw,  also,  how  they 
stopped  in  astonishment,  and  encamped  for  the 
night.  The  Burgundians  awake  late ;  but  even 
if  they  hasten  themselves,  they  will  not  be  in  the 


INGO.  305 

valley  before  the  morning  is  advanced.  I  ob- 
served horses'  steps  in  the  mist  below,  on  the 
other  side  of  the  stream." 

Ingo  gave  him  a  sign  of  dismissal,  and  said 
to  Berthar,  "Take  care,  my  father,  that  all 
sleep  except  the  watchman;  for  to-morrow  they 
will  need  eyes  which  will  be  firm  in  their  heads, 
and  rested  limbs.  Keep  good  watch  at  the  gate, 
that  an  enemy  may  not  slip  in  during  a  brief 
opening.  At  morning  dawn  we  will  collect  the 
peasants,  and  count  heads.  The  troop  will  be 
small  for  the  surrounding  space ;  but  we  fight 
for  life,  and  the  others  for  scanty  booty.  For  the 
last  time  before  we  dedicate  ourselves  to  the 
anger  of  fight,  I  greet  thee  in  peace,  my  father. 
That  they  should  esteem  us  fugitive  men  worthy 
of  a  large  national  arming,  causes  us  to  laugh  to- 
day ;  and  for  that  I  thank  thee,  thou  trusty  one." 

The  morning  dawned ;  the  clouds  were  edged 
with  a  blood-red  tinge,  and  concealed  the  sun. 
In  the  enclosed  fortress  the  sleepers  rose  from  the 
ground.  The  men  equipped  themselves  for  the 
service  of  the  war-God — the  merciless  one ;  they 
anointed  and  brushed  up  their  hair,  so  that  it 
bristled  red ;  they  wound  round  their  arms  and 
necks  circlets  of  bronze  and  gold ;  they  drew 
their  belts  close  round  their  bodies,  that  their 

20 


306  1NQO. 

steps  might  be  more  agile,  an  1  the  swing  of  (!.-  ;r 
limbs  more  powerful.  Many  a  one  put  on  lii.s 
shirt  of  deer-skin,  covered  with  iron  scales  ;  many 
also  threw  off  their  brown  woollen  jackets,  and 
opened  their  shirts,  that  one  might  see  the 
glorious  scars  on  their  breasts.  Gloomy  was  the 
look  of  the  warriors,  wild  their  spirit,  and  silent 
their  deed,  for  it  was  unbecoming  to  employ 
useless  speech  in  the  service  of  the  God  of  battle. 

Berthar  said  to  Wolf,  who  was  arming  himself 
near  him,  offering  him  a  thick  gold  armlet, 
"  Long  have  I  kept  this  ornament,  whii-h  1  onee 
received  as  a  King's  gift.  Take  it  to-day  as  a 
present  from  thy  comrade;  not  undecoiated  shalt 
thou  swing  thy  spear  by  our  side — that  the  enemy 
may  not  say  :  '  See  what  niggardly  reward  the 
Thuringian  gains  at  the  bench  of  the  stranger ! ' ' 

Wolf  put  the  armlet  on  his  arm,  looked  at  the 
old  man  gratefully,  and  answered,  "Think  also, 
father,  when  thou  arrangest  the  combat,  that  I 
may  not  remain  as  the  women's  guard ;  and  be 
not  angry  if  I  say  one  other  thing :  the  master's 
enemy  is  also  the  man's  enemy — but  I  should 
prefer  to  raise  my  arm  against  the  Burgumliaiis, 
who  are  not  of  my  race." 

The    old   man  laughed  gloomily.     "UseL 
dost  thou  bark,  like  a  young  hound.     The  smell  of 


INGO.  3  >7 

blood  is  not  yet  under  thy  nose ;  when  the  day 
advances,  and  the  clouds  there  above  roll  blacker, 
thou  wilt  think  less  of  these  anxieties." 

The  stone  of  sacrifice  was  erected  before  the 
hall  of  the  King.  The  warriors  collected  around 
it:  Ingo  entered,  with  his  men  from  the  hall,  in  a 
grey  steel  shirt,  with  a  helmet  which  was  orna- 
mented with  the  head  of  a  boar;  the  teeth  of  the 
monster  were  of  silver,  and  his  eyes  glowed  red. 
The  boys  led  a  young  horse  up ;  Berthar  pushed 
forward  the  sacrificial  steel  into  bis  body,  and 
cut  the  deadly  wound.  The  King  sang  the  blood- 
prayer,  each  man  stepped  up,  and  dipped  his  right 
hand  into  the  horse's  blood;  and  all  swore  to  each 
other  to  be  true  till  death,  and  obedient  to  their 
lord. 

From  the  top  of  the  tree,  a  clear  woman's  voice 
called  out,  "  Defend  thyself,  O  King  !  the  enemy's 
shields  glisten,  and  the  points  of  their  spears." 
The  horn  of  the  watchman  gave  warning  by  a 
wild  cry,  and  a  messenger  sprang  up  to  the  King. 
"  The  troop  of  King's  men  ride  along  the  stream 
— among  them  the  Queen  ! "  Then  there  was  the 
sound  of  a  war-cry  in  the  court  of  the  fortress ; 
the  warriors  seized  shield  and  spear,  and  fonm.'d 
themselves  into  a  circle,  to  sing  tho  battle-prayer 
in  the  hollow  of  the  shield.  The  wild  somr 


308  INGO. 

resounded  loud  through  the  valleys,  slowly  and 
solemnly  in  the  beginning,  then  swelling  out  like 
the  storm-wind,  till  it  sounded  sharp  and  pierc- 
ing, like  the  howl  of  the  wind's  bride.  When  it 
ceased,  a  yelling  cry  answered  from  below.  Ber- 
thar  gave  out  the  commands,  and  the  warriors  in 
the  order  of  their  troops  went  down  the  hill,  and 
ex  i  u  pied  the  surrounding  rain  pails.  "  The  battle- 
song  sounded  discordant,"  said  Berthar,  in  a  low 
tone,  to  Ingo,  "  unlike  that  of  our  men  and  the 
country  people ;  thou  wilt  to-day  only  trust  in 
home  ways." 

Once  more  Ingo  mounted  with  the  old  man  to 
the  top  of  the  tree.  "  Frau  Gisela,  in  truth,  brings 
no  one  with  her  but  the  merry  men  of  her 
Castle,  and  the  followers  of  Sintram.  Therefore 
she  has  invited  the  Burgundians,  that  they  may 
accomplish  her  work  quickly  ;  and  willingly  are 
they  come,  for  they  are  ten  to  one  of  us.  See, 
Hero,  they  are  already  drawing  the  circle  of 
shields  round  our  trench.  Down  to  the  ram- 
part !  Good  manners  demand  that  I  should  greet 
the  Queen  :  I  hold  the  side  where  she  commands ; 
do  thou  lead  the  people  southwards  against  the 
foreign  bands." 

\Vith  flying  step  the  heroes  hastened  to  the 
barricade.  All  around  rose  a  cry;  arrows  and 


309 

spears  flew ;  in  small  bands  the  besiegers  sprang 
on,  carrying  stones  and  gigantic  trusses  towards 
the  outer  wall,  in  order  to  fill  the  trench. 

Northwards,  where  the  fight  was  hottest,  Ingo's 
battle-cry  sounded  powerfully  above  all,  and 
southwards  the  voice  of  Berthar  answered ;  and 
where  the  King  was  throwing  his  spears,  there 
was  Theodulf,  foremost  in  the  fight,  demanding 
revenge.  More  than  once  his  spear  trembled 
near  to  Ingo's  head,  on  the  rafter  of  the  rampart ; 
and  the  shield  of  the  Thuriugian  burst  clattering 
by  the  weapon  of  the  King.  But  the  attack  of 
the  besiegers  failed ;  with  hot  cheeks  they  turned 
backwards,  set  in  order  their  broken  bands, 
brought  together  planks  from  the  Thuringian 
village  and  from  the  forest,  and  worked  hard 
upon  them  with  axe  and  hammer. 

"The  fists  of  thy  comrades  were  raised  with 
a  powerful  swing,"  cried  out  Berthar  to  Bero's 
sons,  approvingly  ;  "  have  the  Queen's  boys  turned 
into  work-people  ?  despicable  is  the  warrior  who 
cowers  behind  a  log  shield."  To  Ingo  he  said, 
lau^himr,  "The  Bunnmdians  showed  little  zeal 

o        ~o*  o 

in  striking;  the  victims  that  have  fallen  to  the 
God  of  war  on  my  side  are  not  numerous ;  and 
we  must  beg  him  to  be  graciously  contented 
with  a  few,  as  the  cuckoo  said  to  the  bear,  when 


310  IXGO. 

• 

he   offered   him    three   dead  flies  as  a  guest's 
repast" 

The  grey  thunder-clouds  rolled  under  the  hot 
rays  of  the  mid-day  sun,  when  the  horns  of  the 
besiegers  called  to  a  new  fight,  and  again  the 
howling  battle-cry  rose  in  both  hosts.  Stronger 
was  the  stormy  assault,  and  greater  the  danger, 
for  the  beseigers  had  not  used  their  axes  in  vain. 
From  all  sides  they  drove  on  behind  strong  log 
shields,  and  again  they  threw  stones  and  bundles 
of  wood  into  the  trench,  and  dragged  stems  of 
trees  and  long  beams  to  bridge  it  over;  the 
Burgundians  had  also  erected  a  scaffolding,  on 
which  hung  a  beam  as  a  battering-ram;  thun- 
dering did  the  beam  swing  against  the  bulwark, 
ain I  long  hooks  tore  the  planked  fence  down  into 
the  trench.  The  fiercest  tight  raged  round  the 
wild  instrument.  "When  one  troop  of  besiegers' 
retreated,  in  a  moment  another  sprang  on;  for 
behind  the  fighters  was  the  Queen,  urging  them 
with  words  and  raised  arms  incessantly  to  the 
storm.  At  last  the  hostile  bands  succeeded  in 
making  a  rent  here  and  there  in  the  outer  ram- 
part. Then  for  a  time  the  fight  raged  about  the 
open  path ;  the  garrison  of  the  fortress  worked 
hard  to  stop  the  gap  l.y  their  wooden  shields  and 
bodies.  But  as  the  flood  pours  through  the 


1NGO.  311 

• 

broken  dam,  so  did  the  overpowering  number  of 
the  enemy  storm  in,  and  the  small  bands  of  de- 
fenders were  pressed  back  towards  the  height. 
Ingo  stood  before  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  with  a 
few  blood-companions,  who  had  fought  by  his 
side,  and  covered  with  shield  and  spear  the 
retreat  of  their  warriors.  At  last  he  sprang  him- 
self through  the  gate,  and  the  bridge  was  raised 
behind  him. 

The  besiegers  gave  a  cry  of  victory,  and  pressed 
on  against  the  rampart  of  the  fortress,  which  sur- 
rounded the  mountain.  But  short  was  their  joy: 
from  the  steep  height  the  spears  now  flew  thicker, 
and  great  stones  were  hurled  down,  and  made 
bloody  paths  among  the  storming  bands.  Small 
was  now  the  chain  of  the  defenders,  and  their 
anger  mixed  /with  anxiety,  as  they  were  fighting 
for  the  last  bulwark  which  protected  them  from 
destruction  ;  all  hands  bestirred  themselves  ;  the 
women  also  stood  with  petticoats  tucked  up  high, 
raising  the  stones,  and  reaching  them  to  the  men. 
At  last  it  became  impossible  for  the  enemy  to 
cling  to  the  steep  path;  they  flew  with  great 
leaps  back,  and  the  huge  pieces  of  rock  hurled 
down  broke  the  legs  of  many. 

Then  the  Queen  rode  angrily  before  her  men, 
and  called  out,  "  If  you  wish  any  longer  to  drink 


INGO. 


the  Queen's  mead,  ye  capering  heroes,  struggle 
upward  to  the  willows,  and  throw  down  the  stone 
trough  from  which  they  refresh  themselves;  then 
they  may  catch  the  running  drops  with  their 
lips."  Theodulf  flew  round  the  hill,  and  ordered 
a  general  onset  from  all  sides;  again  the  horns 
sounded  and  cries  yelled  out,  and  again  spears 
and  stones  flew  from  the  top  of  the  hill.  But 
whilst  the  circle  of  besiegers  shot  their  arrows 
from  below,  whenever  a  head  or  an  arm  projected 
over  the  rampart,  Hadubald  crept,  with  four  com- 
rades, in  the  channel  of  the  spring  up  to  the 
willows,  all  bending  under  their  shields,  and  with 
strong  lifting-poles  in  their  hands.  They  passed 
behind  the  trees,  where  the  rock  protected  them  . 
but  the  threatening  danger  did  not  escape  the 
attention  of  the  Hero  Berthar,  who  collected  to- 
gether his  nearest  comrades,  and  hastened  with 
them  down  through  the  gate.  "We  will  catch 
them  from  below  ;  you  send  your  arrows  from  the 
rock,  that  no  one  may  escape."  Then,  as  the  old 
man  sprang  among  the  trees,  the  mighty  stone 
trough  groaned  as  thrown  downwards  from  its 
bed.  Berthar  cried  angrily  to  Hadubald,  "It 
brings  a  curse  upon  thee  to  change  a  wine  carouse 
into  a  water-spring,"  and  broke  his  head  with  his 
ciub,  before  the  other  could  raise  his  weapon.  The 


IXGO.  313 

other  King's  men  also  were  slain  by  the  strokes  of 
the  Vandals ;  only  one  sprang  upwards,  but  he 
sank  to  the  ground  on  the  path  with  a  death- 
arrow  in  his  back,  and  his  fall  was  greeted  by  a 
loud  cry  of  joy  from  the  height.  After  that  the 
battle-cries  ceased,  and  both  above  and  below, 
rapid  words  buzzed  among  the  bands. 

"  The  stone  trough  is  thrown  down,"  said 
Berthar,  returning,  in  a  low  voice  to  Ingo  ;  "  the 
water  now  runs  wildly  downwards,  and  it  will  be 
difficult  for  the  comrades  around  to  provide 
water  for  their  beasts." 

"  The  Queen  knew  the  fountain,"  answered 
Ingo,  with  a  gloomy  smile.  "  If  those  below 
could  throw  the  stone,  we  may  raise  it  again. 
Prepare  the  trees;  choose  the  fighters  and  the 
protecting  shields  round  the  lifting  arms  of  the 
country-men."  Whilst  Ingo  spoke,  an  arrow, 
whirling  over  him,  struck  into  the  tower  scaffold- 
ing, and  a  small  flame  blazed  where  it  cauo-ht. 

o*  o 

"  There  Frau  Gisela  tells  our  people  of  the 
devastated  spring,"  cried  out  Berthar.  Round 
about  the  hill  single  bowmen  sprang  upwards, 
and  shot  fiery  arrows  into  the  bulwark,  carefully 
endeavouring  by  agile  movements  to  avoid  the 
stones  which  were  cast  down.  Here  and  there 
the  flames  caught  the  beams  and  posts;  the 


SI  4  INGO. 

_red  struck  against  the  arrows  with  poles, 
;iinl  put  out  the  flames,  but  the  fire  blazed  «  \  •  i- 
more  and  more;  wildly  sounded  the  cry  of  the 
\\arning  one;  the  children  ho\vli-<l ;  tin-  IKHSI-S 
bounded,  when  a  fiery  arrow  flew  under  tin  in, 
burst  their  halters,  and  rushed  madly  through 
the  thronged  multitude.  Then  the  work  became 
painful,  arid  the  hope  and  courage  of  many  of 
the  defenders  sank. 

A  horseman  with  a  small  retinue,  galloping  at 
full  speed,  approached  the  Queen's  bands.  He 
and  his  attendants  were  received  with  loud 
acclamations  from  Theodulf  s  troop.  Herr  Ans- 
wald  descended  from  his  horse.  "Deceptive 
news  invited  me  to  thy  Court,  0  Queen,  whilst 
thou  art  here  dealing  out  revenge  for  my  cause." 

"Thou  comest  here  uninvited  and  unwelcome," 
replied  the  Queen  ;  "  I  do  not  intend  to  place  theo 
betwixt  me  and  revenge ;  the  uncalled-for  me- 
diator is  hit  with  arrows  from  both  sides.  No 
mortal  can  avert  the  fate  of  those  yonder,  if  they 
cannot  do  it  themselves." 

"  If  the  Queen  will  rule  over  the  people  of 
Thuringia,  she  must  honour  the  customs  of  the 
country.  I  see  there  women  and  children  of  our 
blood  ;  it  is  horrible  that  spears  and  fiery  arrows 
should  be  hurled  against  the  defenceless  of  our 


INOO.  315 

own  people.  Whoever  is  a  free  Thuringian,  and 
desires  victory  in  an  honourable  fight,  let  him 
help  me  to  avert  this  shame,  and  pray  with  me  to 
the  Queen,  that  she  may  give  up  what  will  make 
us  all  an  abomination  in  the  memory  of  men." 

"The  Prince  speaks  well,"  cried  out  an  old 
warrior,  and  the  Thuringians  cast  their  spears 
together,  crying  out,  "  Hail  to  Herr  Answald  ! " 
Gloomily  did  the  Queen  look  upon  -the  troop, 
but  she  was  silent. 

"  Hear  me,  Princess,"  exclaimed  the  Chieftain, 
horrified  at  her  hard  countenan.ce;  "my  own 
child,  whom  I  once  promised  to  Theodulf,  is 
among  the  fire-arrows,  and  like  her,  other  women 
from  the  forest  arbour.  It  is  for  me  alone  to 
puni.ih  my  child,  and  no  one,  not  even  thou, 
shall  take  her  away  over  my  head."  He  sprang 
into  the  path  before  the  troop.  "  Here  I  stand, 
Answald,  a  Prince  of  Thuringia.  Many  a  time 
have  I  led  your  armies  to  battle.  Before  you 
venture  to  slaughter  the  unwarlike,  who  lift 
their  arms  in  the  enclosure  there,  you  shall  first 
kill  me,  that  1  may  not  outlive  the  shame." 
Again  there  sounded  a  loud  acclamation  of  the 
warriors. 

"  To  me,  you  King'a  boys  ! "  cried  out  Frati 
Gisela,  raising  herself  up.  But  Theodulf  and 


316  INGO. 

Sintram  ]>ushed  their  horses  up  to  the  Queen, 
and  spoke  in  a  low  tone  to  her.  "If  tln.u 
w.  it  not  beside  thyself,  old  man,"  began  the 
Queen,  at  last,  her  voice  trembling  with  an-,  r, 
"  I  would  punish  thee,  thou  foolhardy  man,  for 
cxriting  these  to  disobedience.  I  care  little  to 
shed  the  blood  of  peasants,  even  though  they  have 
unlawfully  settled  themselves  outside  the  bound- 
ary. Let  the  horn  be  sounded,  Theodulf,  and 
call  into  the  enclosure.  The  country  people  shall 
have  free  exit,  not  only  the  women  and  children, 
but  also  the  men,  if  they  will  withdraw  weapou- 
1.  n  from  the  fortress,  by  the  grace  of  the  Queen, 
without  injury  to  body  or  property."  Again 
there  sounded  from  the  troops  a  joyful  cry  of 
approbation.  With  long-drawn  tunes  the  horn 
admonished  to  abstain  from  fight.  Theodulf 
.stepped  to  within  a  spear's  throw  of  the  gate, 
and  called  out  into  the  fortress,  with  powerful 
voice,  the  grace  of  the  Queen. 

\Vithin  there  arose  a  stormy  movement.  The 
gate  remained  closed,  but  at  the  ramparts  and  at 
the  palisades  wild  figures  rushed  about  in  despair, 
throwing  down  poles  and  beams  and  rolling 
down  after  the  woodwork.  A  flying  troop  flowed 
here  and  there  from  the  entrenchments,  with 
women  and  children  in  terrified  thrones, 


INGO.  317 

horses  arid  cattle.  Some  individual  men  likewise 
sprang  down,  whose  hands  were  still  blood-red 
with  the  oath  of  the  sacrifice,  terrified  by  the 
danger,  and  weary  of  a  hopeless  struggle.  Yet 
most  of  the  peasants  stood  on  the  height  crowded 
together,  their  shields  at  their  feet ;  they  looked 
uncertainly  after  the  women  and  the  rushing 
herds.  Only  their  oath  and  shame  held  them 
back.  Then  Ingo  stepped  up  to  them,  and  cried 
with  a  loud  voice,  "  Freely  did  you  come,  and 
freely  may  you  also  go,  as  your  fellow-country- 
men call  you.  Discontented  looks  and  unwilling 
service  do  I  not  desire.  I  honour  little  the  warrior 
who  thinks  of  wife  or  child  during  the  fight.  I 
willingly  release  you  from  your  oath  ;  provide,  if 
you  choose,  for  your  own  safety."  • 

Then  many  laid  their  shields  on  the  rampart, 
and  sprang  downwards,  without  looking  behind 
them.  But  Berthar  called  out  to  the  remaining 

O 

band  :  "  All  the  chaff  does  not  fall  from  the  wheat 
on  the  threshing-floor  at  one  blow.  I  still  see 
many  whom  the  wind  may  blow  away  over  tho 
fence;  try  once  again,  ye  proud  comrades!  We 
may  gladly  do  without  the  companionship  of  tho 
forest  people."  Again  shields  fell  to  the  ground, 
and  the  bearers  of  them  disappeared  with  sulky 
mien. 


318  INGO. 

"Why  does  my  King  tarry  to  belioM  their 
wretchedness  ?  They  would  leap  better,  it  shamu 
did  not  tie  their  legs.  Yours  is  the  choice  ;  one 
way  leads  upwards  to  the  hall  of  the  King ;  the 
other  downwards  to  your  disgrace." 

He  followed  his  lord,  who  hastened  up  to  the 
hall.  Those  that  had  remained  behind  stood  for 
some  minutes  together;  when  they  saw  them- 
selves alone,  their  warlike  anger  disappeared. 
Only  a  few  hastened  after  the  King;  the  others, 
weaponless,  passed  into  tho  open  country.  Aim  >ng 
the  last  who  left  the  enclosure  were  Bald  hard 
and  Bruno. 

From  below  the  bands  of  the  Queen  sprang  up, 
shouting.  Those  who  were  seeking  to  depart 
had  made  the- entrance  easy  to  them;  storming  up, 
they  forced  open  the  fastening  of  the  gate,  and 
thronged  eagerly  towards  the  open  space  before 
the  hall.  But  they  quickly  drew  back,  for  from 
the  sling  which  Berthar  had  placed  on  tho 
entrance  to  the  steps,  pointed  wooden  arrows 
flew  into  their  ranks.  They  sought  shelter  by 
the  ramparts,  and  again  spears  flew  hither  and 
thither,  and  from  below  the  lire-arrows  wmt 
against  the  roof. 

White  smoke  whirled  along  the  roof- rafters 
of  the  hall,  and  a  voice  sounded  through  it: 


INGO.  319 

"  Water  up  there ! "  A  man  climbed  up  the 
ladder,  and  called  from  on  high :  "Jt  crackles 
in  the  roof;  the  ox-hide  swells;  a  Burgundian 
arrow  has  carried  the  fire  to  a  projection  of  the 
roof;  it  sparkles  and  flashes;  the  buckets  are 
empty." 

"  The  Queen  is  cooling  herself  at  our  well," 
cried  Berthar ;  "  if  water  fails  thee,  pour  our  beer 
on  the  tongues  of  fire."  A  blast  of  wind  passed 
howling  over  the  roof,  carrying  a  cloud  of  sinoko 
with  a  fiery  blaze  on  high.  A  cry  of  jubilee  fnuu 
the  enemy  followed  the  blast  of  wind  ;  tongues  of 
flame  broke  out  here  and  there  through  the  cover- 
ing hide.  "  Come  down,  Wolf ! "  cried  out  Berthar 
to  the  hero  on  high,  who  with  singed  hair  and 
black  hands,  with  difficulty  held  fast  to  the 
ladder;  "  a  spring  is  running  fast  from  thy  body, — 
it  drops  red  from  the  ladder." 

"  It  was  not  enough  to  extinguish  the  fire," 
answered  Wolf ;  he  came  down,  shook  his  bloody 
hand,  and  seized  shield  and  spear.  "  Open  the 
doors,  blood -comrades,"  commanded  Berthar, 
"that  the  draught  of  air  may  drive  away  the 
smoke  from  our  Princess.  Shall  the  King  alone 
hold  watch  ?  Throw  spears  all  round  the  build- 
ing :  as  far  as  they  can  fly  now  reaches  the  king- 
dom of  the  Vandals." 


320  INGO. 

Ingo  stood  on  the  steps  of  the  hall,  covered 
with  a  shield  ;  over  him  drove  thick  clouds  of 
Mnoke,  driven  by  the  storm  on  to  the  bands  of 
the  enemy,  covering  their  armour  and  faces. 

"  The  hall  is  opened,"  cried  Ingo,  to  those 
staring  in ;  "  the  Host  waits  with  a  welcome  ;  why 
do  the  faint-hearted  guests  delay  ?" 

A  figure  sprang  towards  him  out  of  the 
smoke — a  shieldless  man,  and  a  voice  cried  out, 
"  Inngard,  my  child  !  thy  father  calls:  save  thy- 
self, unhappy  one !" 

Inngard  heard  the  cry  in  the  hall ;  she  rushed 
wildly  up,  and  laid  her  son  in  Frida's  arms.  And 
again  there  was  a  cry  from  without,  shriller 
and  more  full  of  anguish:  "Irmgard!  lost 
child-!" 

Ingo  placed  his  shield  on  the  ground,  and 
looked  back  over  his  shoulder.  "  The  hawk 
cries  after  his  nestling ;  obey  the  call,  Princess  of 
Thuringia." 

The  wife  rushed  past  her  husband  to  her 
father,  amidst  the  hostile  spears.  A  cry  of  joy 
and  welcome  burst  from  the  Thuringian  band. 
She  embraced  her  father,  and  exclaimed,  "  It 
is  wrll  for  me  that  my  eyes  behold  thee,  and 
that  thou  holdest  me  to  thy  breast." 

The  heart  of  the  Hero  Answald  trembled,  and 


ixao.  321 

ho  drew  her  to  him.  u  Thy  mother  awaits  thee, 
dear  child." 

"  Bless  me ! "  cried  Irmgard ;  "  hot  is  the  room 
where  a  poor  child  screams  for  its  mother ;  bless 
me,  father ! "  she  cried  out  to  him  convulsively, 
holding  him  fast. 

The  Prince  laid  his  hand  upon  her  head  ;  she 
bent  low  down  before  his  knees,  then  rose  up 
quickly,  stepped  back,  and  stretching  out  her  hand 
towards  him,  exclaimed,  "  Greet  my  mother ! " 
Then  she  bounded  backwards  to  the  burning 
house.  Ingo  had  stood  immovable,  directing  a 
sharp  look  at  the  enemy.  But  when  his  wife 
returned  to  him,  in  his  death-peril  he  stepped 
towards  her,  spread  out  his  arms,  and  embraced 
her.  Then  an  ash  spear,  whirled  from  Theodulf s 
hand,  struck  the  King  on  his  side,  under  his 
arm.  Ingo  sank  quietly  down  from  the  arms 
of  his  wife  towards  the  hall;  Berthar  sprang 
forward,  and  covered  the  wounded  man  with 
his  shield,  whom  his  men,  sighing,  carried  to 
the  raised  Prince's  seat.  Before  him  knelt 
Irmgard,  but  Berthar  cried  out  into  the  room, 
"Leave  the  women  to  sorrow  over  the  King's 
wound :  on  quickly,  comrades,  to  follow  the 
King  on  his  path  !  There  are  four  doors  in 
the  King's  hall;  from  each  there  is  a  path  to 

21 


322  INGO. 

the  halls  of  Heaven.  Take  care  that  you  re- 
venge the  King's  wound.  Walbrand,  thou  wast 
the  last  on  thy  lord's  bench;  therefore  to-day 
thou  shalt  leap  forward  as  first,  and  I  will  be 
the  last." 

The  Vandals  sprang  to  the  doors  and  down  the 
steps,  one  after  the  other,  as  the  old  man  called 
them.  And  anew  there  arose  round  the  house 
the  noise  and  tumult  of  the  fight.  Wildly  did 
the  storm-wind  drive  over  the  flaming  roof;  high 
above,  the  thunder  rolled  ;  the  roof  of  the  hall 
cracked,  ashes  and  burning  splinter^  fell  down. 
Frida,  stunned,  placed  the  child  on  the  King's 
bed. 

"The  boy  laughs !"  exclaimed  Irmgard,  throw- 
ing herself  sobbing  over  the  child,  which  was 
kicking  its  little  legs  about  merrily,  and  stretch- 
ing out  its  hands  to  the  flaming  pieces  on  the 
ground.  Irmgard  held  her  child  in  a  fast  cm- 
brace,  and  there  was  a  dead  silence  in  the 
room;  then  she  tore  awr.y  the  pocket  of 
otter-skin,  the  gift  of  the  \Veird  woman,  from 
her  dress,  hung  it  round  the  body  of  the  little 
child,  hid  it  in  the  covering,  and  once  more 
kissing  the  child,  cried  out  to  Frida,  "Save  him, 
and  sing  to  him  about  his  parents." 

But  Frida  sprang  up  to  Wolf,  who  stcod  as 


INGO.  323 

guard  by  the  King's  bed,  and  bcseeched  him— - 
"  Come,  at  the  back-door  there  are  men  from  our 
arbour;  we  will  penetrate  into  the  forest." 

Then  the  old  man  cried  out  with  a  hoarse 
voice,  "  Where  does  the  foremost  dancer  tarry  ? 
The  leapers  wait." 

"  Farewell,  Frida,"  answered  Wolf,  "  we  do  not 
go  out  of  the  fire  by  the  same  door;  farewell, 
and  think  of  me."  Once  more  his  true  eyes 
looked  upon  her,  then  with  a  powerful  bound 
he  burst  out  of  the  door,  sprang  over  the  glow- 
ing logs  of  wood  before  the  steps,  and  thrust  his 
spear  into  the  breast  of  one  of  the  Queen's  boys, 
so  that  he  fell,  and  a  loud  cry  sounded  among 
the  circle  of  men.  Arrows  flew  upon  the  Hero ; 
he  bled  from  many  wounds,  but  swinging  his 
sword,  he  threw  himself  into  the  band  before 
which  Theodulf  stood ;  wounded  they  reeled 
back,  right  and  left ;  wildly  he  raised  his  weapon 
against  his  old  bench  companions,  then  fell  him- 
self, dying. 

Again  Theodulfs  voice  was  heard,  powerfully 
warning  :  "  The  rafters  shake ;  save  the  women!" 

o  * 

Prince  Answald  cried  out,  springing  up  to  the 
door,  "  Irmgard !  Save  my  child  ! "  Then  tke 
shrunk  figure  of  the  old  man  raised  itself  before 
him  at  the  door,  his  head  covered  with  ashes,  his 


INGO. 

beard  burnt,  and  a  longing  for  revenge  in  his 
countenance.  And  he  called  out  grimly,  "  Who 
is  it,  who  so  audaciously  makes  a  noise  at  the 
sleeping-chamber  of  the  King,  and  demands 
admittance  ?  Is  it  thou, — the  fool  who  once 
repented  that  he  had  offered  the  rights  of  guest  ? 
Thou  didst  dismiss  my  King  with  a  cold  greet- 
ing ;  cold  as  iron  shall  be  the  answer  which  the 
Vandal  offers  thee."  Quickly  as  a  beast  of  prey 
he  sprang  from  the  steps,  and  thrust  his  weapon 
through  the  coat-of-mail  and  breast  of  the  Chief- 
tain of  Thuringia.  Then  he  called  out  to  the 
dismayed  band,  "  All  is  accomplished,  and  the  end 
is  good.  Go  home,  pale-nosed  fools,  and  turn 
with  the  women  the  mill-stones  of  your  Queen. 
The  great  King  of  the  Vandals  ascends  upwards 
to  his  ancestors."  Shots  flew  around  him,  but  he 
shook  off  the  iron  like  a  wounded  bear;  he  turned 
himself  heavily  towards  the  hall,  placed  himself 
with  his  shield  at  the  foot  of  the  King's  bed,  and 
never  spoke  again. 

The  Queen  rode  through  the  broken  gate  up  to 
the  burning  hall.  The  thunder  rolled  loud,  ;ind 
the  lightning  flashed ;  the  gold  covering  of  the 
coat-of-mail  which  enclosed  her  breast  glowed 
like  a  red  fire,  lY»m  the  flames  of  the  house.  She 
from  her  horse  to  the  ground;  the  men 


INQO.  325 

drew  timidly  back,  for  deadly  pale  was  her  coun- 
tenance, and  dark  her  frowning  brow. 

She  stood  immovable,  looking  at  the  glare. 
Only  once  she  stirred,  and  cast  her  flaming  eyes 
on  one  side,  when  she  saw  a  woman  with  a 
child,  which  she  held  fast  in  her  arms,  struggling 
amongst  the  men. 

"It  is  only  a  servant-maid,"  said  Theodulf, 
half  aloud,  with  pale  cheeks,  "and  it  is  the 
child."  The  Queen,  with  a  vehement  gesture, 
commanded  the  woman  to  be  led  on  one  side. 
The  fire  ran  along  the  ledge  of  the  house,  high 
against  the  clouds;  the  storm  drove  on  the 
flames  so  that  they  blazed  up  wildly;  it  threw 
burning  splinters  against  Frau  Gisela  and  the 
band  of  men.  But  the  Queen  stood  immovable, 
with  eyes  fixed  on  the  glow. 

Within  the  house  all  was  still ;  Irmgard  knelt 
by  the  bed  of  her  husband ;  her  hair  covered 
his  wound ;  she  held  him  in  a  fast  embrace,  and 
listened  to  his  breathing. 

The  mortally  wounded  man  laid  his  arm 
round  her,  and  gazed  into  her  eyes  silently. 
"I  thank  thee,  Ingo,"  she  said;  "receive  my 
greeting,  beloved ;  we  shall  lie  both  together  on 
the  last  bed."  The  thunder  rolled  near  her. 
"  Dost  thou  hear  those  above  calling  ? "  mur- 


320  INQO. 

inun-d  the  dying  man.  "Hold  me,  Ingo!"  cried 
Inn-anl.  A  flaming  flash  of  lightning  filled 
the  hall,  a  thunder-clap  roared,  and  the  rafters 
of  the  roof  fell  do\\  n. 

Outside  a  shower  of  hail  poured  down  on  the 
stunned  men  of  the  Queen;  the  pieces  of  ice 
struck  upon  helmets  and  coats-of-mail.  "The 
Gods  invite  their  son  to  join  them  in  their  hall," 
cried  out  the  Queen,  covering  her  head  with  her 
mantle.  But  the  men  threw  themselves  to  the 
ground  under  their  shields,  and  concealed  their 
faces  from  the  anger  of  the  thunder-God.  When 
the  storm  had  passed  over,  and  the  warriors 
rose  timidly  to  look  about  them,  the  green  sur- 
face of  the  hill  was  covered  with  grey  ice,  the 
house  lay  in  a  heap,  and  little  tongues  of  flame 
rose  from  the  moist  embers.  But  the  Queen,  as 
if  turned  into  stone,  still  stood  before  the  burn- 
ing spot,  and  said  in  a  low  tone,  "  The  one  lies 
quiet  on  a  hot  bed,  the  other  stands  without, 
struck  by  the  hail ;  the  envy  of  the  Gods  has 
exchanged  my  lot;  it  was  my  right  to  have  been 
with  him  there." 

"  Where  is  his  child  ? "  they  enquired,  search- 
ing round  with  wild  looks.  Frida  and  the  child 
had  disappeared.  The  warriors  sought  in  the 
mountain  slopes,  and  in  the  valley;  tin  \  >}>i •  •! 


INGO.  327 

into  every  hollow  tree,  and  amid  the  tangled 
branches  of  every  thicket.  Theodulf  rode,  with 
his  followers,  through  the  whole  district  of  the 
forest  people,  and  enquired  at  every  hearth-fire. 
But  the  Queen  never  obtained  any  intelligence 
of  the  son  of  Ingo  and  Irmgard. 


END 


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UPR  IS 
JAN  171991 


Form  L9-Seri<M  444 


opby  and  religion  from  the  time  of  the  early  Greeks  down  to  the  L 

A  cool,  paatlnnleai  study,  such  w  might  be  made  by  a  philosopher  and  ob- 
ItTVW  OOBtaf  IkOB  WMsW  IIVUi  '  •  III  -'•  !••  I-  -T  •  i.-  T...I .  : .  f  •  •  - •.<.-. 
•nd  the  book  la  certainly  remarkable  as  a  history/'— PWto<Wp7«ia  Bulletin. 

HENRY  HOLT  &  CO.,  Publics,  foe  York. 


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